Ekiti: APC promises equal opportunities as Akerele joins the party

The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has welcomed a leading figure in the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Otunba Yinka Akerele who recently dumped the party to joined APC, assuring him of equal opportunities for both old and new members of the APC.

Kemi Olaleye, Deputy Chairman, APC, who led other exco members to receive Otunba Akerele at the ward declaration ceremony over the weekend in Ayede Ekiti, his home town where a tumultuous crowd of people from both political parties across  the 16 local governments of the state had thronged to witness the ceremony.

Olaleye, assured that all party members would enjoy the same treatments and opportunities.

“APC is a party that was formed to champion the cause of the people and give Nigerians the best in terms of governance.  To this end, we always eager to accept you into our fold, right thinking individuals who share our vision.

The coming of Otunba Akerele is a welcome development and we assure him and his followers in the Ajinde Ekiti Movement that they will not be discriminated upon. By our party constitution, we give equal right to all members, whether old or new,” she said.

Other leaders who spoke glowingly about Akerele’s political worth were Hon. Ranti Adebisi popularly known as Opomulero, a former chairman of Ado Ekiti Local Government, Hon. Sunday Ibitoye, Hon Odutola Odelodu and others.

Adebisi described Akerele as a passionate Ekiti man who has always stood for justice, equity and development of Ekiti State. He also added that the politician came in at the right time and that his coming has further reassured APC that the next coming election would be a walk over for the party.

On his part, Ibitoye considered Akerele’s coming as a boost, giving his huge followers in Ekiti. The former local government boss also commended Akerele for remaining in touch with grassroots and maintaining his followers, despite the injustice done him prior to 2007 election, when he was robbed of the PDP ticket.

In his response, Akerele who thanked the party for the warm reception and promised to work with others to build the party.  “To me, life is about adding value and based on this, I have come to the progressive fold, where my father was a major actor many decades ago, to contribute my quota.

“I know many people are not comfortable with what is currently happening in our dear state and we must all work together to change the game. Tactically, the incumbent governor, Mr.Ayo Fayose has created a bad brand for us. We are not only in the news for wrong reason, but our values are also being eroded little by little.

“For us, We must all work together to change the bad perception created for us by Mr. Fayose. Ekiti is known for integrity, morals and values but what we see today is the opposite.Having said this, I hereby promise to work with APC leaders to build Ekiti and not to destroy,” he said.