TPT Visits Statutory Delegates In Owo LGA , Canvasses Votes For His Senatorial Ambition

It was a carnival that could be described as an uncommon political jamboree considering the massive turn-out of the Local Government Executive Committee members and the five principal executive officers of the eleven wards who are statutory delegates of Owo LGA at the new PDP Secretariat, adjacent Olagbegi Civc Centre ,around the popular Post Office at the centre of the ancient town.

The entourage of the leading senatorial aspirant was also a large platoon of party big shots and political gladiators from the 72 wards of the six local government areas in Ondo North Senatorial District. Some of the leaders include the Secretary of PDP Elders' Forum, Pa Adara, former member of State Central Working Committee, Alh. Hamzat, the Senatorial Woman Leader, Hon.(Mrs) Tolani  Hassan, Former Caretaker Chairman of Ose LGA, Hon. Ilepe Johnston, PDP  Chairman of Ose LGA, Elder Aborowa,Mrs Nike Fasawe among others . The DG of Toks '23 Campaign Organization, Hon. Bode Obanla and his Director of Public Communication, Wale Obanigba Esq led many others party stalwarts like Hon. Saporu, a MHA aspirant from Ose constituency, Mrs Tolani Agunbiade, Mr Dixon Odinga ,Alh. Omoloja,the Youth leader of Ose LGA, many others youth leaders and women leaders from Ose and Akoko to the venue.

High Ch. Idris O. Olafimihan - Asaba, after the introduction of the PDP executive committee members and critical stakeholders by the Lg Public Secretary, Hon. Niyi Folahanmi and that of TPT's entourage by his DG of Campaign ,Hon. Bode Obanla also the State Coordinator of PSG, described Akogun Modupe as a rare enigma, great politician and grassroots mobilizer with a large heart. "  He added, " TPT is a philanthropist who is extremely passionate and kindhearted. He is hospitable, warm and humble. And we can vouch for his character and integrity at all times. "

In his address , Akogun Tokunbo was extremely nostalgic having passionately apologized to the stakeholders for his late arrival due to flight hitches. He narrated his unfortunate ordeal in the hands of the security apologists of the ruling APC over the campaign fund received on behalf Ondo State Chapter of PDP in 2015 as DG ,Smbo/Jonathan Campaign Organization for the sunshine state. " I have never been detained in my entire life but because of the PDP , I was tortured, humiliated and maligned shortly after 2015 general poll. Again in 2019 ,I was picked by the security operatives over the same issues with the State Chairman, Engr Clement Faboyede. This is pretty unfortunate but I know that leadership comes with responsibility."

TPT vehemently stressed that he has paid his due and that he knew the challenges facing the PDP especially in Ondo North. " Honestly we have served ,and we are still serving the party. I'm a resource person for the party in our zone, even few days ago. I'm not a push-over as I know my onions and they are in my kitties. As a Senator if elected I will never be a bench warmer because I understand the terrain very well. I cannot install myself nevertheless,this is my reason for seeking your nod to run. Kindly send me, and you will never be disappointed you do. This is my bond with you if elected. "

He did not forget in his humility to acknowledge his failure in the past when he first ran. " I have learnt my lesson. Politics is dynamic ,and I understand the mechatronics of its intrigues and manipulation. My failure in 2019 is indeed an act of destiny. Today those who defeated us are no more on ground but we are consistent despite our unfortunate defeat. We lost squarely and in magnanimity, we accepted our defeat and move on .Sincerely, we decided to prove a point then that we were on ground by winning our units,wards and LGA for the PDP in 2019. Since then we have been engaging stakeholders consistently especially in Akoko to support our project." Going further, " In Owo /Ose Federal Constituency, your support was total in 2019 and I remained indebted to you all for your sacrifice and love. Let me informed you all that today in Akoko we understand that we are accepted the more seeing our sacrifice for the PDP. I was adopted as a son by some  LGAs in Akoko to demonstrate their resolve this time around. Some of their notable leaders are here in my entourage. They are consistent and dependable."

He thereafter stated," I  want to know you all. I'm very consistent with this mandate. I make regular contact with all critical stakeholders on a daily basis. I'm far but closer that you may imagine. Everyone needs recognition, and I have decided to give all like always. I know my mistakes ,and I'm ready this time around to correct those lapses so as to repair the torn veils and build trust and confidence among my people. Leadership is all about trust and confidence in the midst of consistence. This I have learnt lately."

He finally appealed to all stakeholders on ground to see the battle ahead as a bridge between our past and our future. " The battle ahead is a battle for our freedom. We must fight together as a family. However, we need a fearless leader and a giant with deep pocket and all-round experience to win the war. I'm adequately prepared, so appeal to others to join hands with me to do the needful. I'm ready now as my resolute resolve is to change the ugly scenarios in Ondo North. We are left in the lurch and now frustrated but we must bounce back to reclaim together as a united family our lost glories. Today the  juicy opportunities like gainful jobs for our youths are wasted leaving our potential young men and leaders of today not tomorrow anymore to wallow in depression and penury. Already a great gulf is created between our senatorial district and others. To correct this anomaly is my topmost priority. We are undoubtedly backward in this aspect. If we refuse to do the needful and close the mileage, the unborn generation shall curse us. So, I say to you all that you must stand to be counted now that we are making efforts to make date with history and destiny."

"I'm a committed party man , and I know that loyalty to any party is beyond contest alone. So, this is our chance. This is our period to capitalize on the monumental failure of the ruling APC to dislodge it from the corridor of power. Let me make it abundantly clear to all,my intention is not just to become PDP candidate for the Senate, it is to become the senator in 2023. "

TOKS later addressed the assembly of Ward Vice-Chairmen, Ward Secretary,Ward Women Leaders and Ward Youth Leaders from the eleven Wards of Ehin-Ogbe, Igboroko I&II, Ijebu I &II, Iloro,Ipele, Isaipen,  Ipenmen/Isuada/Idasen/Obasooto, Iyere and Emure/Uso. According to him ,he emphatically told tell that the success of the battle to free Nigerians and PDP in Ondo North lies in their hands." We have paid the price and  learnt our lessons in most painful ways. We must make more concerted efforts this time around to shake off the challenges. I appreciated your previously efforts ,and sincerely  I cannot repay your support with any indebtedness. Still ,I can only say to you all that I'm grateful while seeking your support once again. However, I know your portfolios and individually I will be committed to you all especially our youths and our womenfolks. We shall gainfully empower all irrespective of region, interest and inclination. You are all my reason to offer myself for service. In God we must put our collective trust for the success of this divine project. "

Hon. Adebo Afolabi, Hon. Fadimine Modebola used the avenue to extolled the rare virtue of the great colossus but admonished him to continue to network the delegates in AKoko due to their numerical strength. However the chairman of Igboroko 2 Ward 3 ,Ch. Oronbato decried the ingratitude of Sen. Ajayi Boroface who betrayed their loyalty as he defected to APC from Labour Party shortly after his victory. According to him," We must rescue our people now because we must work together to oust this man from power. He has mortgage the future of the senatorial district. With our united force, PDP will get back to the corridor of power only if we do not allow history to repeat itself," he declared in his prayers later consolidated by Alh. Isiaka Obanigba and Mrs Yemisi Emmanuel .