An aspirant for the House of Representatives for Akure North/South federal constituency, Hon. Oluwafemi Fadairo, has denied a rift with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa over the consensus list being circulated in the state.
Fadairo who declared that the time has come for him to represent the Federal constituency in the House of Representatives pledged his unalloyed loyalty to the party leadership including the governor.
Speaking while addressing the APC ward chairmen and other key stakeholders in Akure, ahead of the party’s primary, Fadairo said his aspiration was borne out of sustained calls by constituents who believe he possesses the experience and grassroots reach required to deliver effective representation.
Declaring his readiness for the party’s direct primary scheduled for next Monday, Fadairo said he had been officially cleared by the APC screening committee and had intensified consultations across the 23 wards of the constituency.
He said, “I (Oluwafemi Dennis Fadairo) have been screened by the screening committee and was cleared on Friday, which means the road is now clear for my aspiration.
“The party has adopted direct primaries for this election, and we are fully prepared for the exercise.”
The APC aspirant insisted that contrary to rumours of animosity making the rounds in the community, there was no disagreement between him and Governor Aiyedatiwa, stressing that he remained one of the governor’s ‘loyal political associates’ especially in Akure.
Fadairo said: “I have a cordial relationship with Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. I am not fighting with him and there is absolutely no friction between us. This is a contest, and we cannot because of politics destroy what our people have built over the years.
“Mr Governor remains my leader. I was the Director-General for his primary election in Akure and exactly what I did for him then is what I am doing for myself now.
“It is a win-win situation for him in Akure North and South and now it’s my turn and I will win.”
The APC chieftain also dismissed allegations that he was mounting pressure on the governor despite reports of an alleged consensus arrangement, describing such claims as baseless and attempts by political detractors to sow seeds of discord.
According to him, “Some people are only trying to create unnecessary tension. We recently spoke at length in Abuja and discussed issues cordially. There is no problem whatsoever between Governor Aiyedatiwa and me.
“He is my leader and I remain loyal to him and the party under his leadership.”
Speaking on his confidence ahead of the primary, Fadairo said he had invested significant time and resources in building political structures across the federal constituency, noting that his preparation for the contest did not start recently.
His words “This primary election is not something I just started preparing for today. I have been on this project since last year. I actively participated in the congresses and carefully built structures across the 23 wards.
“I have made sacrifices and worked tirelessly to mobilise support. Direct primary is about party members openly casting their votes, and I believe strongly in the strength of my grassroots support.”
He also denied reports suggesting that the incumbent representative may be handed an automatic ticket by the party leadership, adding that it was just speculation.
“That is not true. It is mere speculation. Nothing of such has emanated from the party secretariat. Everybody should go to the field, work for votes, and face the direct primary process.
Addressing concerns that his support base is concentrated mainly in Akure South, Fadairo said his popularity spreads across both local government areas.
His words “I have a mammoth crowd in Akure North, in fact more than in Akure South. I am a grassroots politician and I know my people. I have built these relationships over the years, and I am very confident that victory will come my way by the special grace of God.”
He said his aspiration was rooted in a desire to bridge developmental gaps and deepen inclusive representation in the constituency.
His words, “Akure people asked me to contest. This is my fourth time contesting, and I am no longer a baby in this race. I have experience in National Assembly affairs, and I am ready to drive impact for this federal constituency. It is my turn to represent Akure North and South.”
Fadairo urged his supporters and party faithful to shun violence before, during,g and after the primary election, stressing that politics should not be allowed to divide the constituency.
He said: “Put your minds at rest and remain peaceful. We must conduct ourselves responsibly because this is a family affair. Politics should strengthen us, not divide us.”
