A former governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) in Ogun, Mr Abayomi Hunye, has insisted that his gubernatorial aspiration is still intact, despite the adoption of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, as the consensus candidate of the party.
Hunye, who was a former Managing Director of the Ogun State Waste Management Agency (OGWAMA), stated this while addressing newsmen ,in Abeokuta, on Saturday, that he is still in the race for the 2027 governirship election.
He expressed confidence that he would emerged victorious having approached the court ,in his quest to secure justice over allegation of widespread irregularities and disenfranchisement of the party’s primary, which recorded no vote in his favour.
Hunye noted that provisions in the amended Electoral Act gave him confidence to unveil his running mate, Mr Abayomi Odunowo, insisting that he is not stepping down for other contestants.
“They said they have made some appeals to me and I have stepped down. Some said it has been settled. I want to tell everybody in Ogun that that’s a big lie. I am still in the race. We are in court. And I am believing God that at the end of the day, victory is mine. I have decided to keep quiet before. But two reasons I changed my mind,” he said.
According to him, the laws says no court will grant relief to any aspirant or candidate challenging another while refusing to participate in the electoral process.
Hunye added, “One, I looked at the new amended constitution. It said, no court will oblige any candidate or aspirant that is challenging any candidate in court that refuses to participate in the process. The first process was the primary and the second process starting on the 9th of September is the campaign.
“So if you are sure that you are actually a candidate or in turn you have gone to court, you must also participate in the next phase of the election process. And to this note, so that at the end of the day, nobody will get to the court and say, yes, he is qualified, he met all the criteria. But one thing, there was no evidence of campaigning.”
He disclosed that the second reason for unveiling a running mate is to avoid being imposed upon.
“As of today now, all the assembly has been picked. They also picked a deputy governor. If I refuse to pick my deputy governor, I will be compelled to adopt theirs, which is more dangerous than even contesting at all.
“We have been both as parents in this state. I want to tell you, if not because it is the turn of Yewa , that’s my belief. If it were to be the turn of Ogun East, I would have supported him in the same way.
“I have Ogun 2027: My gubernatorial ambition, not contestable- Hunye insiststhe grace of God, and the support of everybody sitting here, to announce to you today, my friend, Otunba Abayomi Odunowo, as my deputy,” he declared.
He expressed confidence in the judiciary that he would emerge as the candidate of the party and the support of the people.
