Former Secretary to the State Government and All Progressives Congress governorship aspirant in Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has declared that the clamouring for power shift to the Southern part of the state cannot hinder his governorship ambition , saying he has the fundamental right to express Political ambition.
Oyebanji however added that the Southern agitators as citizens of Ekiti have every right to express their views on level playing ground as opportunity exists for every qualified aspirant to declare and serve the people.
Oyebanji, who is from Ekiti Central, spoke in Ado Ekiti on Tuesday , responding to factors being drive home by politicians from Ekiti South extraction to back their agitations on power shift to the district.
The former SSG added while the south is free to agitate for governorship, interested aspirants from other zones also have the right to express interest with party providing enablement for free and fair contest and emergence of the right flagbearer at Primary election.
He urged the party members on thorough assessment for emergence of the best aspirant, regardless of his zone.
Oyebanji gave assurance on the conduct of issue-based campaign focussing on dividends of democracy
“I respect the views and opinions of these aspirants as respectable sons of Ekiti. They are making a legitimate right As much as they have the rights to agitate, I should also be allowed to exercise my fundamental rights. Nothing stops me from expressing my own aspiration as a free born and citizen of this state.
“Let me say this, this agitations will never divide us. We are united in spirit and soul. If God gives me victory, I will bring everybody together, it is in unity that we can stand and progress”.
Speaking about qualities that stand him out among others, Oyebanji said: “what we need in our governor are good character, competence, compassion and commitment.
“To the glory of God, I see myself as an embodiment of these qualities. My words are my bond, I am a loyal party man and I have always been loyal to all my bosses.
“In term of quality service delivery, I think I stand out. Go and check my records as a Special Assistant, Special Adviser, Commissioner and SSG, they were outstanding . I have given my best to Ekiti”.
Oyebanji said he was not in any way terrified by direct primary being agitated for by some aspirants contrary to insinuation in some quarters .
“I don’t want to be distracted by direct primary noise. Either direct or indirect, I am at home. I am a grassroots person. I understand the terrain. It is not even within the purview of any aspirant to determine the modality of the primary, only the national can dictate that.
“I am always at home, because I am a homeboy and I have street appeal and it comes to me naturally”.