The governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress in the last election, Gboyega Isiaka has disclosed that he defected to the All Progressives Congress because the programme of his ‘Believe movement’ constitute the cornerstone of APC in the state.
Isiaka who was a three time governorship candidate in the state added that the alignment between the himself and Ogun state governor, Dapo Abiodun was an alignment of values which he claimed is fundamental for any political relationship.
He also said the defection into APC was as a result of Abiodun’s accommodating personality.
He noted that he defected with his loyalists in ADC so as to key into the building our future together agenda of Abiodun.
According to him, the decision to serve was hinged on the urge to contribute to a Life of Abundance in Ogun State utilizing our God-given resources and potentials; ensuring a legacy of growth and development for today, ensuring equity and fairness in the State development stride and secure the future of coming generation.
He added, “our Movement is deeply Progressive in its ideological orientation with focus on progressive program and policies such as human capital development (health and education), good wage policy, a functional and well-funded pension scheme, progressive economic policies, caring for the weak and vulnerable in the society (social welfare) and infrastructural development.
“It is gratifying to note that these same programs constitute the cornerstone of the All Progressive Congress which we have decided to join the ranks of millions of its membership in the State today.
“With our modest contribution to deepening democratic development in this State over the last decade, alongside our core values of hardwork, integrity, resilience, delayed gratification, shared prosperity and Omoluabi creed; we were persuaded that we have what it takes not only to power governance but indeed create a happy and prosperous people. These, we have dutifully pursued over the last three electoral cycles; even though providence have chosen otherwise!
“The outcome of the last election, despite not going in the manner we envisaged, did not bow our head and; as I have always maintained that once elections are over, governance must take centre stage.
“It was therefore gratifying when His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun – as a Governor Elect at the time – extended the hand of fellowship to me and our people. Subsequent interaction afterwards were largely to evaluate his intentions and ideas for Ogun State people.
“I am happy to note here that we found alignment of values – which for us is fundamental for any political relationship. I saw in him, a man determined to run governance with sincerity and purpose.
“Among other shared values also, the Governor believes that the people must be the primary focus of any responsible government and that is reflected in his “Building our Future Together’ mantra.
“More importantly, and despite the winner takes all of our politics and system of government, the APC in Ogun state through His Excellency, indicated strong resolve to have an inclusive and open administration that is receptive of other ideas and competencies.
“Having also followed closely the surefooted and progressive approach to governance in the last seven and half months – which has recorded impressive strides in the areas of human capital development, social security and laying of other beneficial foundations, we have no doubt that we would be doing our dear State a lot of good by joining hands with the ongoing effort and move Ogun State to the next level of her socioeconomic renaissance, particularly in an increasingly bipolar national political landscape.
“Alignments are not new in politics though many of such have been plagued by deficit of clear ideological orientation and sincerity of purpose.
“The official declaration of our Movement and statewide structure into the APC today is a display of sacrifice, sincerity of purpose, value alignment and willingness to pursue the common good.
“Your excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I assure you that in joining the APC today we bring value to the table.
“We are adding thousands of dedicated members, we are adding trusted ideas to governance process, we are bringing intellectual competencies that can be useful in diverse areas, we are bringing our abiding values of handwork, integrity and shared prosperity, and we are moving our tested and timeless electoral value to this party.
“All our members have been sufficiently sensitized on their roles and responsibility as party members as they will from this week move into the APC ward meetings and conduct themselves creditably.
“I urge all members of the party to welcome our people across the State (among which few numbers were accredited as delegates to this ground today) with open arms and work together for the growth of this party and success of the government.
“Once again, I thank His Excellency Prince Dapo Abiodun for his fellowship and sincerity. I thank the party leadership, our fathers and mothers, leaders of the party at all levels and teeming members of the party that have found time to receive us into this great fold.”
