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By Akinwande Soji-Ojo
A governorship aspirant in Osun State, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, has vehemently opposed the decision of the Governor Mai Mala Buni-led All Progressives Congress (APC) Caretaker and Extraordinary Congress Planning Committee(CECPC) to shift backward the date of the party’s primary election from March 5 to February 19.
Adeoti, who spoke with reporters at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja shortly after he was screened to contest the election, said the development calls into question the party’s commitment to the conduct of a free and fair primary.
The former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) wondered why the Buni-led caretaker committee did not follow a similar pattern when it shifted the recently held Ekiti State governorship primary from January 17 to January 27.
He also faulted the continued membership of Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, as a member of the APC CECPC on the basis that it runs contrary to the laid down rules and regulations.
The former SSG insisted that it would be fair and just for Osun West Senatorial District to produce the next governor governor of the state.
Adeoti described as false claims by Oyetola that he had been able to impact positively on the well-being of the citizenry in Osun State.
My performance is enough for me to win primary-Oyetola
Meanwhile, Oyetola has said he would leave no stone unturned to secure his second term mandate at the poll.
The governor, who was accompanied by his supporters, said his membership of the CECPC would not in any way confer on him any advantage over his rivals in the primary election.
He said: “I have been going round to talk with members of the party in all the local councils.
“This is an election among members of the party. So, I will need their endorsement to be able to fly the flag of the party.
“My performance in office as I speak today is enough for me to win the primary and the election in all areas of endeavour in infrastructure, health, education, security and economy.
“The caretaker committee thing is just a fact. I wasn’t a member of the caretaker committee when I won the election in 2018. So, why should I be discouraged from serving the party? If my performance speaks for me, that is good and fine.”