We recalls that some leaders of the opposition among whom is the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN) had on Saturday told journalists that they had endorsed Makinde for the March 9th election.
But, two of the leading opposition parties in the state, Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC), have refuted the claim that they had endorsed Makinde.
ZLP Chairman, Mr. Wole Abisoye, while speaking, told journalists that his party was part of the proposed coalition, but ZLP had not adopted any candidate.
According to him, “The meeting was inconclusive and we have adjourned till Monday. When we meet, we will decide.
“The coalition meeting for this evening was inconclusive. My party, the ZLP has not endorsed any governorship candidate. Bolaji Ayorinde, who spoke, to the press, spoke on behalf of his party, the SDP”.
ZLP Publicity Secretary, Mr. Olajide Olanipekun, in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, said that Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli remained the candidate of the party.
He added, “Coalition yet to adopt a consensus candidate; BSA remains ZLP gubernatorial candidate.
“Attention of the Zenith Labour Party, Oyo State has been drawn to the news that the opposition in Oyo State has adopted Engr Seyi Makinde as the consensus candidate for the 9th March, 2019 gubernatorial election in Oyo State. We wish to state clearly that the coalition meeting that was billed for Saturday 2nd March,.2019 never take place, hence no consensus candidate has been adopted.
“So it was surprising that the news of adoption of Engr. Seyi Makinde as consensus candidate by the coalition has hit the news stands when the meeting where such decision was to be taken never hold. The meeting has been rescheduled to come up on Monday 4th March, 2019.
“We of the Zenith Labour Party wish to state clearly that we are committed to forming alliance with other willing opposition parties but as of today, 2nd March, 2019, ZLP as a party has not adopted a consensus candidate with any other political party. Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli (BSA) remains the gubernatorial candidate of ZLP.
“We want all our candidates for the state of House of Assembly to continue campaigning for the March 9 elections.
Similarly, Media Assistant to the ADC candidate, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, Damola Adeoye, in a statement obtained by DAILY POST on Sunday, said coalition talk is still ongoing but no candidate has been endorsed.
Adeoye said, “Senator Olufemi Lanlehin (SOLAN), Oyo State ADC governorship candidate, wishes to inform supporters, loyalists, members of the ADC, and the very good people of Oyo State, that as a Democrat, and committed party man, the interest of Oyo State and its people is paramount to him.
“To that end, he wishes to allay whatever fears that are being nursed owing to the seeming lull occasioned by the ongoing coalition talks, urging the people to also discountenance every insinuation concerning the purported adoption of a coalition candidate.
“Truth is, as of today, Saturday, 2 March, 2019, talks are still ongoing among opposition parties desirous of ousting the fascist ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and birthing a masses friendly, pro-people government.
“Yet, as promising as the talks are, no candidate has been adopted. Decisions as to the adoption of a coalition candidate, when eventually arrived at, will be done by mutual consent, and not by blackmail or mischief, and same appropriately communicated.”
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