In a significant boost to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Ondo State, Mr. Sola Agboola, a prominent party chieftain, has reconciled with the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye (OBA), effectively strengthening the party’s position ahead of the November 16, 2024 gubernatorial election.
The reconciliation, which took place on Saturday at Akingboye’s residence in Akure, has not only reinforced the SDP’s unity but also dispelled recent rumors of internal fractures within the party. This development comes as a direct contradiction to earlier claims made by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa that Agboola and his followers had defected to their ranks.
During his solidarity visit, Agboola emphatically distanced himself from the APC and Governor Aiyedatiwa. “The APC and Governor Aiyedatiwa fabricated fictitious stories in their desperate bid to deceive themselves and mislead the public,” Agboola stated. “I want to set the record straight: my loyalty remains firmly with the SDP and our visionary candidate, Otunba Bamidele Akingboye.”
Agboola went on to describe Governor Aiyedatiwa as “a clout chaser whose boat is currently sinking,” while praising Akingboye’s leadership qualities. He hailed the SDP gubernatorial candidate as a “transformational leader” with a clear vision to turn Ondo State into an industrial hub where everyone can prosper.
Responding to Agboola’s show of support, Akingboye expressed deep appreciation for his loyalty to the party and commended his spirit of sportsmanship. “I am ready to work closely with Mr. Agboola as a valuable team member and party leader,” Akingboye affirmed, emphasizing the importance of unity within the SDP ranks.
The reconciliation has already yielded tangible results in terms of party cooperation. Agboola has been appointed to Akingboye’s entourage for an upcoming major event in Okitipupa Local Government Area on Sunday, July 14, 2024. At this gathering, the SDP is expected to welcome thousands of defectors from both the APC and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), further solidifying its growing influence in the state.
This display of unity within the SDP marks a significant shift in Ondo State’s political landscape. It not only strengthens the party’s internal cohesion but also challenges the narrative of the APC’s expansion through defections from other parties.
As the gubernatorial election draws nearer, the SDP is poised to maintaining this renewed unity and capitalize on the momentum generated by this reconciliation will be crucial.
The reconciliation between Agboola and Akingboye sends a strong message about the SDP’s resilience and its potential as a formidable contender in the upcoming gubernatorial race.
