TheCable

Abiodun Isiaq Akinlade, chairman of the federal house of representatives committee on science and technology, has conceded the governorship ticket of the Ogun state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to Gboyega Nasir Isiaka.

Isiaka won the controversial PDP primary in the state and following his endorsement by the party’s leaders, Akinlade decided to sacrifice his own ambition, saying the party’s interest supersedes any individual’s.

“My dear people of Ogun state, political leaders, party faithful, the Akinlade political family across the state, distinguished TAG (The Akinlade social media Group) members, friends and well-wishers, I must sincerely thank and commend our dogged spirit of resilience, perseverance, uncommon display of courage and determination that have sustained me this far,” he said in a statement made available to TheCable.

“I thank all our traditional rulers, community leaders, religious leaders, the youths, the media, labour leaders, trade unions, civil society organisations, artisans and non-governmental organisations for their special interest and show of affection. It is indeed heartwarming and inspiring, to say the least.

“The events of the past few months have really been tortuous and challenging. The organisational structure and internal mechanism of our party; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been tested to its very foundation. Our commitment to democratic ethos and party discipline has also been put to test. Our utmost believe and fervent hope in Ogun West Agenda has also been truthfully gauged. But we must thank God that we have not been found wanting or faltering across board.

“I appreciate the firm support and commitment of all and sundry towards the realisation of our collective goal, (Ogun governorship seat). Yes, we actually prepared to give Ogun people a new face of governance that they would all cherish through our NEW PACT, but ‘man proposes, God disposes’.

“However, irrespective of the outcome of our party disposition which has seen my compatriot and brother in struggle for the emancipation of our people, Prince Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka get the nod of the party to fly its flag in the 2015 governorship election, as a loyal party member who believes in its supremacy, we must not waiver neither should we despair because we had all given our very best of effort to the agenda, but God knows best.”

Akinlade described the decision of that party as supreme, saying: “PDP is greater than any individual, including my humble self, hence we must all work together to bring the elusive seat to our people and be united in this course for once.

“To all my supporters, I humbly plead for your understanding in this regard. Ultimately, as we stand on the threshold of history, I remain committed to the yearning and aspirations of our people by joining hands with my brother, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, to provide the needed leadership and understanding towards the socioeconomic and political emancipation of our people.

“We must not be deterred nor backslide in the pursuit of salvaging our people from the shackles of poverty, neglect and marginalisation in all ramifications. Here comes a time to let all and sundry know that it is not in our destiny to always disunite. We must tell the world that the problems are not in our stars but ourselves and we can actually overcome them. We might have been taunted several times but we must not be daunted. We must henceforth stop agonising about our shortcomings and predicament, but get organised for the good and sake of our people. Time to set forth is now!”

He added that it was time for everyone to bury their hatchet, individual egos and ambition for the collective goal of our people, highlighting the strength in the party’s unity.

“When united, there is possibly little we cannot do as a people in a host of cooperative ventures like the one at hand,” he said.

“My dear good people, as the electioneering process reaches it’s feverish peak, we must realise that any effort to contribute to the development, empowerment, collective happiness of our people and the success of our party at polls must not be sparred whatever the circumstances.

“And just as Winston Churchill said: ‘Nothing succeeds like success and responsibility is the price of competence’. Our party, in its wisdom, has thereby entrusted another responsibility on me to contest for the house of representative of my constituency in Yewa South/Ipokia for the fourth time. Though I didn’t bargain for this from the outset, I’m humbled by this gesture once again and I thank all those who made this possible.

“Let me specially thank my good people of Ipokia for their high level of magnanimity and political understanding.

“Finally, I urge all our people across the length and breath of the state to vote for our party (PDP) in all the various elective positions in the forthcoming general election, so as to take our state and country to a greater height. I believe Ogun people deserve a better government than we are presently getting.”