‘APC, PDP afraid due to my popularity’
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in Ekiti State, Segun Oni, yesterday promised to return the state to its glory.
He said the people were anticipating his second coming because his tenure as governor between 2007 and 2010 rekindled hope about a brighter future.
Oni, an engineer, told reporters in Lagos that the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were afraid of his soaring popularity.
Lamenting the gradual descent to anarchy, he said armed political thugs who attacked him on Tuesday in Ekiti should be brought to book.
He urged the Federal Government to reiterate its commitment to a credible poll in the state, stressing that the election would determine whether a proper exercise would be conducted nationwide in 2023.
Oni flaunted his achievements as a former governor, saying that he had been sustained in politics and public life by character, modesty, simplicity, honesty and fidelity to the people.
He said 12 years after leaving the Ekiti State Government House, the people, full of nostalgia, were fond of the memorable three years.
The former governor promised to build on his past feats, particularly educational policies that made students excelled in their WASC, the road revolution that boosted employment and his prudent management that fostered good governance.
He said: “These were products of thinking. We were always thinking and planning for the best. We will repeat the feats again.”
Oni, who had also served as deputy national chairman of twain parties, promised to deploy his exposure, expertise and experience in private and public life in governance, if elected.
Assessing the array of contestants, he described himself as the best in terms of pedigree, credentials, skill and experience.
He said his lifestyle in politics and power underscored his disdain for avarice, kleptomania and waste of resources.
On factors that would guarantee a free and fair election in June, the standard-bearer said it was up to the Federal Government to make a conducive atmosphere possible.
He said the Ekiti poll, which should serve as a critical forerunner to next year’s general election, should not be bungled.
He warned against rigging, saying it could reenact the violence that rocked the first and second republics in the old Ondo State.
The Nation
