A former member of the House of Representatives from Owo/Ose federal constituency, Hon (Dr.) Bode Ayorinde, has joined the 2020 Ondo state governorship race on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Addressing newsmen, Ayorinde popularly known as Achievers, was a frontline Governorship Aspirant in 2016 under the All Progressive Congress (APC) before Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, eventual won the election.
In a campaign slogan tagged “HOPE ALIVE 2020 MISSION”, the former lawmaker said present realities in Ondo State and emerging facts rekindled his genuine concerns that achieving a great and prosperous state is a task that must be accomplished.
On why he left the APC, the PDP Governorship Hopeful said after the November 2016 governorship election, he moved closer to Akeredolu but he was repelled.
“I moved very close to Aketi so as to join him to move Ondo State forward. Unfortunately, this gesture of mine, driven by noble intentions, were repelled and I was practically chased out of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by Aketi Team.
“I visited Aketi four times to plead with him to be magnanimous in victory and tolerant of all of us that contested with him during the primary election. I even wrote a letter to him, titled “For the Record”. All efforts to make him the Governor of all, in Ondo State rather than Governor of Aketi Team failed.
“One thing led to another and God guided my footsteps to join the famous R-APC and eventually, I moved to PDP,” Ayorinde said.
On how he thinks he can succeed his kinsman from Owo, the PDP Chieftain said “a few people had equally asked me whether an Owo man can succeed Aketi as Governor. My answer has been emphatic NO, but that it is only fair and just for an Owo man to complete the expected tenure of office.
“Therefore, my honest intention is to complete the term due to Owo through the mandate of the good people of Ondo State and I am prepared to give our Leaders in PDP, a written undertaking to that effect, he said.
Ayorinde said Ondo State as the fifth largest oil producing state deserves a better leadership than what was currently obtainable.
“With few amendments, I will reproduce my “GROWTH AGENDA” used in 2016 to guide this HOPE ALIVE 2020 MISSION.”
Below is full text of his official declaration address.
HOPE ALIVE 2020
OFFICIAL DECLARATION FOR GOVERNORSHIP RACE.
Fellow Citizens of Ondo State,
- You will recall that I, Hon. Dr. Bode Ayorinde, was a frontline Governorship Aspirant in 2016 under the All Progressive Congress(APC). Eventually, Mr. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN (Aketi) won the election. In a way, that momentarily put to rest my hope to govern Ondo State since we cannot all be Governors at the same time.
- Naturally, many hopes will definitely be subsumed with the success of one. In view of this reality, I moved very close to Aketi so as to join him to move Ondo State forward
- Unfortunately, this gesture of mine, driven by noble intentions, were repelled and I was practically chased out of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by Aketi Team. I visited Aketi four times to plead with him to be magnanimous in victory and tolerant of all of us that contested with him during the primary election. I even wrote a letter to him, titled “For the Record”. All efforts to make him the Governor of all, in Ondo State rather than Governor of Aketi Team failed.
- One thing led to another and God guided my footsteps to join the famous R-APC and eventually, I moved to PDP.
- Present realities in the State and emerging facts have now rekindled my genuine concern that achieving a great and prosperous Ondo State is a task that must be accomplished.
- A few people had equally asked me whether an Owo man can succeed Aketi as Governor. My answer has been emphatic NO, but that it is only fair and just for an Owo man to complete the expected tenure of office.
Therefore, my honest intention is to complete the term due to Owo through the mandate of the good people of Ondo State and I am prepared to give our Leaders in PDP, a written undertaking to that effect.
- Ondo State, the 5th amongst the nine oil producing States in the Federation deserves better leadership. With few amendments, I will reproduce my “Growth Agenda” used in 2016 to guide this Hope Alive 2020 mission.
- Given the opportunity to serve, my mission is to industrialise Ondo State, create wealth and provide gainful employment for our teeming citizens. That has been my concern, my consistent sermon and my mission in government. So, 1st on my priority list is Industrialisation, 2nd is Industrialisation, and the 3rd is Industrialisation. Seek yea the kingdom of God first, all other things shall follow.
If we are able to Industrialise Ondo State, thereby creating wealth and jobs, all other infrastructure will definitely be achieved in record time. We can do it and be self sufficient rather than continue to depend on Abuja allocations before we can pay salaries.
- I must acknowledge the fact that many of the aspirants from Ondo Central and Ondo South are eminently qualified to govern the state. However, they must be appealed to, to allow us finish our two terms in Ondo North. It is expected, reasonably too, that when power shifts to their districts, they would be allowed to complete their terms. Very logical and desirable to so think and act.
- It is therefore with a high sense of responsibility and very strong determination that I present myself as an aspirant for the 2020 Governorship Election in our dear sunshine state.
- This decision was reached after a very wide consultation coupled with strong conviction that I can make a positive difference. After 44 years of its creation, Ondo State must stop crawling. It must stand right and be counted amongst self sufficient states in Nigeria.
- As I present myself for genuine service with the fear of God, I appeal to all indigenes and residents of Ondo State to stand by me towards rebuilding our dear sunshine state. So help me God.
Hon. Dr. Bode Ayorinde
Governorship Aspirant, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ondo State, Nigeria.
