Prince Dayo Akanmode has expressed gratitude to his teeming supporters for their love and desire for a better Kogi State.
Akanmode, who was the first person to notify the general public of his intention to contest the forthcoming 2023 Kogi State governorship two years ago, announced that he is “stepping aside” from the contest in the overall interest of the state.
Speaking during a virtual meeting of the Dayo Akanmode Governorship Vision Team, the cerebral politician said he is still committed to serving the good people of Kogi State and will keep his dream of a safe, thriving and prosperous state alive.
Akanmode reiterated that his motivation was premised on good intentions, not only to represent but to serve the good people of Kogi State with all diligence.
He stated that his “tactical withdrawal” from the race for All Progressives Congress (APC) sole ticket will berth a new political movement.
“In the weeks hereafter, as stipulated by the INEC, we shall be facing the primaries that will produce candidates of my party, APC, and that of other political parties, which I know some of you here belong but decided to identify with me because of the love and relationship we have shared and built together over the years. Certainly, with the INEC timetable, our formidable team has resolved to actively partake in the governorship race in whichever capacity we could.
“I urge all members of our team to be trotting their political engines from now on because the time has come to prove that we are solidly on ground.
“Considering the INEC time frame, we are actually behind schedule by not being able to obtain the nomination form of the party I planned to run. Nonetheless, I would like to add that I, and the leadership forum of this great team, have arrived at some principles after very careful study and analysis towards obtaining it. I therefore regard the principles as conclusive, because the method which we adopted in my perception towards obtaining it is that of summative induction.
“We have employed the summative method of induction, because I am aware that I am dealing with human institutions which are very liable to substantial variations, and because it is both possible and safer, to employ this method, in the present instance. To this effect, series of political strategies, albeit ethical and progressive, will be deployed anytime from now” Akanmode noted.
The Director of Communication of the political group, Gbenga Adekanbi, noted that the meeting was convened and attended by the leadership and entire Dayo Akanmode Governorship Vision team home and abroad to chart a way forward more so as the governorship primaries in Kogi State draw nearer.
“It is no longer a news that Hon. Dayo Akanmode, a prince of the ancient Omoolodu Royal Family of the Akanmode Dynasty in Ayetoro Gbede had made his interest known to run for the number one seat of the state exactly Two-years ago. During this period, he traversed the length and breath of the state having structures in the three senatorial districts of the state: West, East and Central.
“He had equally consulted both high and low with wide acceptance and honour.
“Prince Akanmode, in his grit, had met with different organisations; religious bodies, students unions, artisans, business enterprises, community leaders, opinion molders, influential persons, academia, professionals from different fields, career developers and political juggernauts.
“We salute the people’s courage, resilience and utmost forbearance in the race of all political uncertainties and dispositions of those who, out of mischief, had wanted to hold sway of our movement during this journey. We are bold to say with all emphasis at our disposal that we refused to be distracted!
“Together, we are poised to make a difference. But be confident that in no distant time, all segments will be activated and tasked appropriately. Efforts have reached an advance stage in this direction as no stone will be left unturned in our course to securing victory for a credible candidate of our choice, all for a better governance for the good people of Kogi State,” he said.
During the interactive session, a prominent politician, Ambassador Dapo Olutekunbi, emphasized the need for the team to align with any aspirant whose track record is unassailable, noting that Hon Dayo Akanmode’s wide acceptance would have been enough for him to secure victory at all levels. He advised all members to be more proactive and resolute in the team’s vision for good governance.
In his speech, a front line and seasoned politician, Prince Jambright Sunmonu, acknowledged the courage put in place by Akanmode in the last two years over the struggle, stressing that he was the first to signify to run for the governorship seat.
Prince Sunmonu advised the team to keep its door open to align with any credible candidate who shares similar character, structures and other factors with Akanmode, and with a genuine heart to serve the people.
United States-based retired Director of DSS, Engr. Afolabi Oludoyi, submitted that the team shall have no cause to reverse the choice of their preferred candidate in person of Dayo Akanmode.
“And if we shall all in our collective voice align, it must be better interpreted as somebody of genuine heart to serve. Our structures all over the world shall testify to his track records as that will guarantee victory at the poll.
Reacting on a general note, Col. Bolorunduro (rtd) ascertained his position for good governance in the choice of Akanmode.
While acknowledging the contributions of Akanmode and the entire team towards educating, sensitizing and impacting on many youths on the reason for our politics, the former military officer said the approach should be redefined.
Commenting on a joint statement issued on alignment with a credible candidate, Belgium-based Pastor Emmanuel Olumobi, US-based business tycoon, Mr. Bidemi Olowosegun, Prof. Dele Adeyanju, Dr. Mrs. Olushola Akanmode, Dr. Bimbo Oluyori, Dr. Gbenga Owoeye, Mrs. Ige Abebi, Hon. Abdulsalam, Engr. Okakunle Miracle Akanmode, Hon. Gbenga Adekanbi and many others resolved to align with a strong team to secure victory in the interest of good governance for the good people of Kogi State.
The Team promised to broaden its scope, widen consultations and mobilisation across party divides yearning for a better governance and forge alliance with a credible candidate in the pursuit for a good governance for the state.
