…says party supremacy must be respected
…canvasses support for Tinubu’s re-election
A former Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Jumoke Akindele, has withdrawn from the Ondo South APC senatorial bye-election, insisting that the supremacy of the All Progressives Congress must be respected by all members.
Akindele on Monday, announced her withdrawal in a statement issued to party faithful and supporters across the Ondo South Senatorial District after months of consultations and preparations for the contest.
She appreciated God, her family, political associates, party leaders and supporters for standing by her throughout the five months of electioneering activities.
The former Speaker also commended her media and campaign teams as well as supporters across the district for their loyalty, sacrifices and commitment to her aspiration.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank God Almighty, my family, friends and supporters, the leaders and members of our party, the APC, who have supported me through these past five months of electioneering preparations,” she said.
Akindele described her supporters as the strength behind her political journey, noting that their determination and dedication made her aspiration widely accepted across the district.
“I must specially thank my media team, my campaign team and the good people of the Ondo South Senatorial District who through the sheer force of their will and determination made me a household name in the district.
You are all my heroes,” she added.
Reflecting on the outcome of the race, the APC chieftain said though the aspiration started on a promising note, it later became unattainable.
“We ran a good race.
“We finished the course even if we did not attain the desired goal,” she stated.
Akindele maintained that despite differing interests and tendencies within political parties, members must submit to the authority and decisions of the party.
“I wish to state that though there may be groups and factions within a party, the party is one and the decisions within her are supreme,” she declared.
She urged her supporters not to lose hope over the development, assuring them that the bond built during the political struggle would remain enduring.
“Do not despair.
“Lift up your heads and be proud of what we have collectively achieved.
“Be assured that you have become family to me,” she said.
The former Speaker also reaffirmed her loyalty to the APC and canvassed support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“On my part, I will continually strive to ensure that the ideals of the party are upheld and I affirm that the re-election of our dear and hardworking leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is sacrosanct,” she stated.
She further called on APC members and supporters to remain united and committed to the President’s re-election bid, stressing that Nigeria needed continuity in the ongoing reforms and programmes of the Tinubu administration.
Akindele concluded by praying for the APC, Ondo State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.