From Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
A former deputy governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Adebayo Adelabu, yesterday, betrayed emotion as he emerged the governorship candidate of the Accord Party in Oyo State, ahead of the 2023 general election.
He was presented after Ayodele Oyajide, who had emerged as the candidate of the party during a primary conducted some weeks ago, willingly stepped down for him.
Oyajide publicly announced his withdrawal from the race during the official presentation of a new governorship candidate for the party at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
National Vice Chairman of the party in the South West, Dokun Babarinde, had announced that the programme was organised to substitute its governorship candidate.
This was done in the presence of representatives of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies.
Also, the event was attended by the party’s National Secretary, Adebukola Ajaja; National Treasurer, Mike Wabara; Oyo State Chairman, Ojo Kolade, and state Secretary, Olayinka Dairo.
Chief Returning Officer, Olayemi Olugbenga, came on the stage and asked thousands of delegates that wanted Adelabu to fly the flag of the party in the state to affirm his candidature. Majority of the delegates stood on their feet and raised their hands as well as their voices in affirmation of Adelabu.
He then pronounced him the governorship candidate of the party for the 2023 general election.
National Chairman, Balarado Mohammed, who handed over the party’s flag to Adelabu, urged Nigerians to support the party to electoral victory in 2023.
Adelabu promised to ensure a turn around prosperity in the state in different spheres of life, including agriculture, health, economy, security, and transportation.