By Adewumi Francis
The Social Democratic Party, SDP Senatorial Candidate for Ekiti North Senatorial District in the forthcoming National Assembly election, Otunba Olugbenga Peter Obafemi, popularly called OPO, has urged the people of the district to prioritize competence and service delivery over party affiliation in making their choice at the polls.
This call was made by his Campaign media team on Tuesday, Otunba OPO said the election is about the future of Ekiti North and not just about political parties. He also made a passionate appeal to the people of Ikole Local Government Area, his hometown, to rally behind him as their son and give him the mandate to represent the entire district at the Senate.Otunba OPO told them that he is not new to service, and that his record in the community over the years should be the basis for support.
“I am calling on the good people of Ekiti North Oye, Ikole, Ido-Osi, Moba and Ilejemeje to support me and vote for me to emerge victoriously,”_ he said.“I urge you to look beyond party politics this time. Look at the man. Look at the work that has been done. My credentials will speak for me. For many years, I have been with our people, supporting education, health, youth empowerment and our farmers.
That is the kind of representation I want to take to Abuja.”He stated that the Senate seat should be used as a platform to attract federal projects, defend the interests of Ekiti North, and ensure that the district gets its fair share of national resources. The SDP candidate reserved special emphasis for Ikole LGA, describing it as the political base that must lead the charge. _“It is also time for my people of Ikole to rally round their son,”Otunba OPO said to applause.
“We have capable hands in Ekiti North, and this is our opportunity to send one of our own to the National Assembly. When you send your son, you are sending someone who knows your pain, who understands your needs, and who will not forget home once he gets to Abuja.”_ People described Otunba OPO as “omo ile”a home boy and pledged to mobilize voters across wards in Ikole and beyond.He has built a profile in Ekiti North as a grassroots mobilizer and philanthropist. Over the last decade, he has been involved in payment of school fees, medical assistance, empowerment of women and youths, and support for farmers.
Under the SDP, he said his legislative priorities will focus on Agriculture and Food Security to make Ekiti North the food basket of the state; Education and Youth Empowerment through scholarships and skills acquisition; Healthcare by upgrading Primary Health Centres across the 5 LGAs; and Infrastructure to attract federal roads, electricity and other development projects. _“
The SDP stands for the people first. That is what I represent. I am going to Abuja to be the voice of the farmer, the trader, the teacher and the student of Ekiti North,”_ he added.Otunba OPO concluded by urging voters to collect their PVCs and come out in large numbers on election day. “The election is about us. It is about choosing service over sentiment. Vote for the man who has been with you. Vote for credentials. Vote for Ekiti North. Vote OPO,”he said.
