As the race for the emergence of the candidates of the political parties for the 2023 general election gathers momentum, a stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Yunus Akintunde yesterday began consultations with relevant stakeholders with a view to actualising his dream to represent Oyo Central Senatorial district in the Red Chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja.
Akintunde, a former works and transport commissioner under the administration of late former governor Abiola Ajimobi, yesterday visited members of the APC in Afijio and Oyo East local government areas to brief chieftains, leaders and members of the APC at the grassroots about his ambition.
Received by the tumultuous party faithful and leaders amid pomp and pageantry, the Oyo-born politician said he possessed all that required to represent the people, assuring that APC stood a good chance in the 2023 elections if he emerged its candidate for Oyo Central senatorial district.
“This is just to inform you of my decision to contest the 2023 senatorial election in Oyo Central. I feel that, over the years, you have been supportive of me in whatever capacity I have found myself and thus, the need to tell you about my motive.
“Though it is not yet time for open campaigns and real politicking, I will soon unveil my comprehensive manifesto which, I believe, would meet the expectations of all and sundry. I am grateful for all your support over the years. I will be moving to other local government areas in the senatorial district from here. I seek your support, encouragement and prayers as we move around,” he added.
The atmosphere was thrown into wild jubilation when he announced a donation of N2,000,000 each to support the party in the two LGAs.
According to him, the support is just to assist the party carry out certain tasks.
“We are not in power at the state level. As someone who is conversant with party administration, I know party Excos and members are financially incapacitated. That is why I have brought this little token as a form of support,” he explained.
Party leaders and members in the two council areas showered praises on the politician, advising him not to relent in his efforts to represents the senatorial district.
In AFIJIO LGA, Chief Owolabi, Owoblo, a former chairman in the local government, applauded Akintunde and prayed for him.
A former commissioner, Chief (Mrs) Kemi Jayeoba, was full of songs of praises to God, commending Akintunde for bringing succour to humanity.
In Oyo East LGA, Alhaji Adeoye, who spoke on behalf of the elders, prayed for the senatorial hopeful, saying that Akintunde, under his tutelage, has shown leadership and humanitarian traits from childhood.
Only last week, Akintunde provided food items to close to 5,000 individuals as Ramadan gifts. That was after bags of rice as well as cash support were sent to party leaders, members, traditional rulers and stakeholders in the 118 wards in the senatorial district.