Mogaji Kayode Ogunsola, one of the frontline gubernatorial aspirants in Oyo PDP has been talking about how his name was removed from the list of those meant to participate in the direct primaries of the party on Sunday.
The Oranyan, Ibadan-born politician who described the political exercise carried out on Sunday as full of ‘shenanigans’, revealed that his name was removed from the contestants’ list for no reason.
This was also as he accused rival politicians of using ‘blackmail’ to lock him out of the party’s primary election, held on Sunday, in Ibadan.
Mogaji Ogunsola, leader of the Óseése political movement, accused state-level competitors of using underhand tactics and “blackmail” to lock him out of Sunday’s crucial vote in Ibadan.
Speaking with journalists at a packed press conference in the state capital, the high-profile politician expressed deep frustration over the integrity of the process. Despite meticulously following all official guidelines and meeting every party requirement, he found himself completely excluded from the contest.
Mogaji Ogunsola did not hold back when discussing the internal power struggles within the state’s ruling party. He pointed the finger of blame directly at rival camps who feared a fair fight at the polls.
“My exclusion was based essentially on blackmail by some other aspirants at state level,” he stated.
The Óseése movement leader challenged his political opponents to prove their popularity with everyday party members rather than relying on backroom deals. He argued that engineering a one-horse race strips the democratic process of any real value.
“Aspirants should seek to win primaries as a true test of their acceptability. There is honestly no merit in winning a contest without credible contestants. We should let the members decide.
“I am here speaking with you media men to let the whole world know that I was not allowed to be part of the Oyo PDP gubernatorial primaries. Nobody should announce any result that has my name.”
Read the full text of Mogaji Kayode Ogunsola’s address here:
Firstly we thank the Lord God for today. Sunday 22nd May, the day of the PDP Gubernatorial Primary in Oyo State. Welcome to this Press Conference. I am Mogaji Kayode Ogunsola, a Gubernatorial Aspirant on the platform of the PDP.
There are 4 items I would like to address in a prepared statement after which we will open for questions.
Topics:
- Process up to the Party Primaries Nationwide
I want to commend the Leadership of our Party, the PDP, on the tireless and excellent work that has been done in the processes, the communication, organization and mobilization, nationwide of all the Party Primaries nnationwide. I have been through the process myself and honestly it’s commendable. A few snags here and there but we must give honour to those whom honour is due.
I thank the Leadership, the Board of Trustees, Party Leaders nationwide for their dedication to the Party as we rebuild for the future.
- Mode of Election
In line with the Constitution and extant laws, rules and guidelines of the Federation, I believe INEC, as an electoral umpire, needs to be much more specific and prescriptive on how Party Primaries are conducted. The law currently prescribes two (2) modes for conducting Party Primaries
a – Consensus
b – Direct Primaries
We have seen on social media how Direct Primaries have been conducted. We see how counting has been done. In many cases accreditation is skipped. This isn’t good for the system. It needs to be improved. I believe INEC can specify how verifiable Party Primaries should be conducted, from end to end. Also I believe we should look to deploy simple technology for Party Primaries. We can do better and we must.
- My Participation
I want to state for the benefit of our teeming Party Members that unfortunately, we were excluded from participating in this Gubernatorial Primary election. We have followed the process meticulously, met all requirements, so it is surprising that we were excluded from the Primary. I think it is in the common interest of all Aspirants to ensure that we submit ourselves to an open, transparent and equitable process. Aspirants should seek to win Primaries as a true test of their acceptability.
My exclusion was based essentially on blackmail by some other Aspirants at State level. Aspirants including myself should endeavour to win Primaries on merit. We should let the Members decide. There is honestly no merit in winning a contest without credible contestants.
- Service to the People
The end result of politics is governance. We need leaders that can deliver for the people. Our people need jobs, make living wages, enjoy good healthcare and an improvement in living standards. That is what we at Óseése are committed to. We in the Óseése Movement will continue to work on delivery of service that will be for the benefit of the good people of Oyo State.
God bless Oyo State, God bless you all. God bless Nigeria.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Mogaji Kayode Ogunsola
PDP, Oyo State
