Barely four days to the Saturday’s governorship election, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Oyo State, Michael Lana, withdraws from the race.
Lana in a press conference on Tuesday in Ibadan, endorsed the candidacy of the incumbent governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Seyi Makinde.
Money Politics
According to him, he is withdrawing from the race because some party chieftains believe only in money politics and victory by vote-buying.
He laments that some party leaders in the state sold them out for a pittance to the opposition.
Surprisingly, it was without his knowledge or consent.
He said: “During my radio interview recently, I duly informed the members of the public that whatever step I would take would be determined by the decision of all candidates, especially the House of Assembly candidates of the SDP of which I am the governorship flagbearer.
“We have also consulted widely.
“We have talked with some national officers of the party and my supporters among the trade unions, traditional rulers, market associations and religious bodies.
“As you are aware, in almost all radio interviews I attended, I was asked whether, as it had become the habit of this party, I too would step down at the end of the day.”
“Believing I was in the midst of ideologically sound members, and knowing myself as a principled person, I always answered in the negative.”
“I believed fervently that my gospel of preaching issues and ideas would earn me the victory that the people of the state deserve”.
A Bold Step
Lana says he consulted widely before stepping down to support Makinde.
According to him, the decision was taken alongside the House of Assembly candidates.
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He added: “We had to sit down and rethink and take a decision that will be in the best interest of the neglected and aggrieved party members, the candidates and the generality of the people of the state that we set out to serve.
“After several consultations, we resolved that the best thing for the state right now is to align ourselves with a really progressive candidate.”
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“We have, therefore, resolved to inform all our teeming supporters to vote massively for Makinde of the PDP on Saturday, March 18, and get him (re)elected as governor of the state”.
