2019: Southwest forum resolves to back candidate with restructuring agenda

SOME leaders in Southwest geopolitical zone have resolved to vote a candidate that will restructure the country in the 2019 election.

The resolution was made during a colloquium on 2019  held yesterday at the Muson Centre, Lagos.

In a communiqué read by Dr. Remi Akintoye, the forum adopted the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar for the 2019 election.

He said the decision was unanimous, noting that the Yoruba would be mobilised to make the decision a reality.

The key speaker, former PDP Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George said the Yoruba nation was positioning itself to play a pivotal role in 2019.

He said the Yoruba insisted on a balance, equitable society, where every Nigerian would have the same opportunity, irrespective of ethnic background.

He added that the country should avoid the politics of hate and bitterness, which had contributed to disharmony in the country, noting that the country would be better if it avoided the ogre of sectarian malice.

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“As we grapple with the dawning challenges of 2019, naturally like all other ethnic groups, the Yoruba people want to ensure that they do have an important seat at the table, when the dividends of democracy are being apportioned.

“We do not ask for more than what is fair and just. We do not ask for more than what is equitable and balance proportion. And if we all get up and work hard, the people in every state can survive with any largess from any central government.”

George urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the coming election is credible, stressing that the commission has its name to protect.

Former Minister of Transport, Chief Ebenezer Babatope said the Yoruba nation called for proper democracy.

Former Deputy governor of Lagos State Kofo Akerele-Bucknor, Senator Bode Olajumoke, Dr. Eddy Olafeso, Elder Wole Oyelese, Senator Abiodun Olujimi, Lagos PDP governorship candidate Jimi Agbaje, Erelu Olusola Obada, Chief Femi Okurounmu and others attended the event.