It was a unique ocassion today at the PDP Secretariat ,Alagbaka, Akure when the grassroots politician, great philanthropist, youth enthusiast, community leader and seasoned democrat, Ch. Adebayo Ibrahim Adafen Olomiyete of Iloro Quarter, Owo who currently is the State Auditor of the party picked his expression of interest and nomination forms.
One of the leading aspirants in his constituency, Abbey ShopRite as he is popularly called because of his philanthropic gestures is given a rousing welcome by all especially members of the Central Working Committee held by Alh. Fatai Adams Adekanye despite the fact that he didn't go with much entourage.
The Deputy Chairman, Hon. Tola Alabere, The Secretary, Barr. Oluseye Oluwaseyi, the treasurer and other members of the State Central Working Committee were also on ground to receive the political gladiator and top manager in Shoprite.
Abbey ShopRite's visit was made specular as the party hierachies and key stakeholders were coincidentally holding a crucial meeting at the Secretariat as at the time of his visit. He was seen with leaders of his political ward ,Iloro Ward 6 like the Chairman of the PDP in Owo LGA, High Ch. Idris O. Olafimihan-Asaba; his Ward Chairman, Mr Bobola Ayoola and another PDP chieftan, Ch. (Barr.) Kunle Ijalana among others who are associates and supporters.
The State Chairman of the party ,Alh. Adams described Abbey ShopRite as a worthy philanthropist and magnanimous individual who has tremendously invested in the party in no small measure previously. " We thank you for your support for the party and our governorship candidate in the last gubernatorial poll. As part of the State Executive Committee ,we appreciate your labour of love." He later added," The SEC as the dynamo of the party, we shall be fair and just and seen by all to be equitable and unbiased. We admonish you to work hard like other aspirants but you must play by the rules we all lay down together as critical stakeholders. We wish you success in your aspiration, and all your future political endeavours."
Abbey ShopRite was extremely delighted by the warm hospitality. He pointedly stressed in his reaction that his aspiration is borned out his incurable enthusiasm to provide exemplary leadership and quality representation that shall be a clear alternative to the poor presentation provided by the APC at all levels. " I once made efforts in 2019 to fly the ticket of the PDP, I couldn't make it. I was recognized by the critical stakeholders in Owo and later recommended as State Auditor. I thank all especially the local government Executive Committee members and our Ward Chairmen for their love and support aside that of our esteemed leaders and elders."
He then added,"The contest before us is a difficult one because of the incumbent governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN who hails from Owo LGA. So, our party must field a popular and sellable candidate to win convincingly. I humbly request that I should be supported by the party to run for the coveted seat. With me on the ballot, victory is certain for the party. "
A few leaders present attested to his character and integrity but concluded that democracy shall have its way as if consensus is difficult to achieve then a free, fair, transparent, credible and acceptable primary shall be conducted to ensure that equity and fairness remain sacrosanct while also extolling his rare virtues.
At home hundreds of Supporters especially youths, women,elders, widows and the underprivileged were praying and waiting for him at his father's house. On his return to Owo, Abbey ShopRite visited the office of the PDP Chairman ,High Ch. Asaba where he was received and blessed by him, some critical stakeholders and elders of Iloro,his political ward.
Omoluabi Bibire Adebayo ( Abbey ShopRite) revealed that in the last five years ,more than twenty youths have been provided with gainful jobs while pledging to do more as MHA when elected. " I have been a succour to the weak and hope to the disillusioned always. This is my scorecard as a philanthropist. In few weeks ,I will roll out my manifesto which in time to come shall be the benchmark for my scorecards as your preferred candidate and MHA.",he finally declared.
In the constituency, the incumbent LG Youth Leader and grassroots tactician,Hon. Adeyeri Samuel known as Ashami and Shamrock is also eyeing the coveted seat just like the meek and vibrant ,Hon. Ijalana and refined democrat, Comr. Ayokunle Adedeji , the former candidate of Z-LP now a member of the PDP and few others.
However,Ch. Olomiyete is confident of victory considering his antecedents, popularrity and pedigree.
