A presidential hopeful of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Ekiti State Governor, took his nationwide campaign tour to Osun State on Wednesday declaring that all those in the race for the nation’s No 1 seat from the southwest were most qualified for the job.
Fayemi, who is a friend of his host, Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola, believed to be backing Asiwaju Bola Tinubu for the APC ticket, said he was aware of that fact, and asked the state delegates to make him their second choice, if they could not make him their number one.
The presidential aspirant told supporters of all the aspirants not to inherit any enmity that did not exist, saying the contest is a family affair and whoever among them won would be supported by other aspirants.
Fayemi said: “I told one of my governor colleagues that I am on my way to Osun State to consult with our party members over my ambition, and he said to me that I am bold.
“This aspiration is a family business in the southwest. No quarrel in the family, no matter what happens as long as soutwest wins, we are all victorious. We are sons and daughters of Oodua, and our values remain constant.
“We are leaders in the progressive movement, there is no one, who is not eminently qualified right from our leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the VP, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo or Senator Ibikunle Amosun and even Pastor Tunde Bakare. We are driven by the same beliefs, passion and commitment to improve the condition of our people; that is what is driving us.
“I have not come here with any sense of entitlement. My friend, Governor Oyetola will not be happy if I did not come to Osun. I am unapologetically committed to the success of Oyetola.
“Some people think there is a big battle going on within our folds, but it is not true! I told Asiwaju that I am coming here today. So people must not inherit an enmity that is not existing.
“What is important is the progress of our people, what is important is that the southwest must succeed. I want to assure you that there will be a collective result to the success of the southwest.
“For me, coming here today, the party in Osun must be informed about my aspiration, for me to seek your solidarity and support. It does not matter, if you don’t make me number one, make me number two. Politics can not separate us.
“It is just the interest of our people that matters. Osun is home for me. I have not come here to campaign, I have come to beg you that you should not forget your brother”.
Responding, Oyetola said his counterpart was there for him when he needed him most.
He said: “The pity of what is happening recently about the presidential ticket is that the southwest has a lot of brilliant aspirants to showcase, we have our best vying for the president. You could see the collective drive that the southwest must produce the next president.
“I recognise your ambition and I pray God will give you your heart desire. You can see the hall is full, we are not hiding party leaders and delegates from you; that is to show you that the people of Osun believe that Kayode Fayemi is their own”.
