Ogun 2023: Otegbeye’s Acceptability, steadfastness have unsettled Abiodun and put him in the panic mode- ADC National Chairman
…..Says sponsoring of litigation against ADC candidates shows the Governor is jittery
Bidemi Alabi
The National Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ralph Nwosu, has said the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun is jittery and has been unsettled by the acceptability and steadfastness of Barrister Biyi Otegbeye, the gubernatorial candidate of the party. He said this at a press conference in Abeokuta on Monday. He took a swipe at the Governor saying he was the “De facto” sponsor of all the legal obstacles being placed in the way of the candidates of ADC in Ogun State.
Nwosu said, “I commend the current leadership of our great party in the state, their resilience have made our party remain a bastion of hope in the state. They continue to attract the best of the Candidates. Our Governorship candidate Barr. Biyi Otegbeyi and his team are clear evidence of how virile ADC is in Ogun State. Our candidates have become the main factor in the 2023 election. Their steadfastness, commitment, courage and boldness have unsettled the rudderless administration of the present government and put them in the panic mode.
“ADC has been targeted in Ogun State, but I can assure you that Justice will prevail. Some desperate people want to thwart the finest element of democracy, the power of the people to vote whom they want, believing they can manipulate and corrupt the systems and persons. Only in Ogun State, people who are not connected with ADC have been used to file over 2 dozen cases in the Federal High Court against our dear party. As if the courtrooms have become polling booths. INEC observed that over 800 cases have been filed against the commission by political parties especially APC and PDP.
“It is not a surprise that Governor Dapo Abiodun prefers the dark alley streets rather than the large enlightening democratic space. It is a shame that elected government officials neglect the people whose mandate they enjoy in office only to become turncoat democrats and dungeon vampires when time for another election comes.”
Nwosu expressed optimism that the party would get a favourable outcome in the appellate Court saying recent judgments in the Appeal courts in Port Harcourt and Abuja have become reference points.
“On the FHC rulings, I can assure you that the Higher courts in our land are beyond any one person’s manipulation and will do justice to our democracy. We approached the Court of Appeal knowing that they will further amplify the beauty of the democratic process and bring credibility to our democratic journey as a nation. So far the appeal courts in PH and Abuja have clearly shown the trajectory of justice, and urged parties to go to the field and not the courts for electoral mandates.
“The infamous role being played by the ruling APC in Ogun State, under Dapo Abiodun – as the ‘Defacto’ sponsors of all sorts are noted, threatening the royalties, arm twisting civil servants and his deception strategy on teachers, market women, youths, and pensioners will crumble like packs of cards. The people will triumph and ADC will win. The new administration headed by His Excellency Barr Biyi Otegbeye working with the best quality minds elected in 2023 and other critical stakeholders will shape the future of Ogun state.
“All the shenanigans orchestrated to stampede ADC and our candidates are wishful thoughts of a drowning man. Elected people who take the mandate of electorates for granted like Dapo Abiodun and his ilks must be defeated roundly in 2023 with our votes. For them, there is no hiding place. That’s the beauty of democracy.
“Finally, all ADC members should take the 2023 general elections as a defining event. Hard work is expected from all of us both in Ogun state and nationwide. If they destroy our Billboards, remove our posters and impede our movements, as they always do, we re-strategize and move on. We move forward in order to lead. To truly transform Ogun state and Nigeria, We, ADC lead forward… ADC Arise! ADC Arise!! AD&C Arise and Shine Nigeria”, Nwosu added.
