A group, Movement For Truth, has disassociated itself from the decision by Chief Olusola Oke SAN to support Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa ahead the Ondo State governorship election, scheduled for November.
Oke, one of the major aspirants on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the governorship election, on Thursday, collapsed his political structure into the campaign train of Aiyedatiwa for the election.
However, Movement For Truth, a platform that worked for the bid of Oke, though unsuccessful, for the APC governorship ticket, declared that he was on his own.
The group stated in a statement e-signed by Dr Benson Enikuomehin, Mr Kayode Mogbojuri, Otunba Steve Omogbemi, Oke does have its support for choosing to join forces with the incumbent governor of Ondo State.
“The decision of Chief Olusola Oke, SAN to collapse his political structure for his brother, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, does not enjoy the endorsement of our team, Movement For Truth.
“Chief Olusola Oke SAN, as a Nigerian citizen, has his unfettered right to support whoever he desires in the forthcoming Ondo State governorship election in November.
“Our organisation worked for Chief Olusola Oke SAN, but will not allow itself to be led by the nose to support the candidature of Governor Aiyedatiwa.
“Our team therefore dissociates itself from the decision taken by Chief Olusola Oke, SAN. While we respect his view, we also expect him to respect our position on the matter,” the group stated.
The group also insisted and maintained that no governorship primary election was held by the APC in Ondo State on 20 April, 2024.
“We made it known to the whole world that it is only righteousness that can exalt a nation, a fortiori, any organisation or political party. We, as a group, cannot be speaking from the two sides of our mouths.
“Flowing from the above, we remain committed to what is just, fair, equitable and of sound mind in our pursuit of who should be the governor of Ondo State.
“Now that Chief Olusola Oke SAN is out of the way, we shall chart a new course, but definitely not the unrighteous marmon,” Movement For Truth declared.
The group further stated that it would soon address a press conference where its categorical and unequivocal positions will be made.
Chief Oke had, at a meeting of his political associates and followers at his residence in Akure on Thursday, collapsed his political structure into the campaign train of Governor Aiyedatiwa.
He said he resisted the pressure to challenge the outcome of the April 20 primary in court, adding that his interest is in the unity of the party and its victory in the coming governorship election.
“I am not an emergency politician. I have campaigned for governorship in this state four times and I have all it takes to be governor. I did everything I needed to do in the primary but the rest is now history.
“I had various options and my supporters were ready to follow any action I will take. But the peace, unity and development of this state is paramount to me.
“We must march forward in one accord into the coming election. Our strength lies in our unity. This is not the time to discriminate; this is the time to bring everyone on board for the good of our party.
“The governor is my brother from Ilaje and I want Ilaje to produce the next governor. Since it won’t be me, it should be him. We are going to win the election together,” Oke said.
