Michael Lana, the Social Democratic Party’s candidate for governor of Oyo State, has dropped out of the contest and endorsed Seyi Makinde, the governor-elect of the Peoples Democratic Party.
At a press conference conducted on Tuesday at Iyaganku Quarters in Ibadan, the state capital, he explained his viewpoint.
The choice to support the current governor by resigning was made after extensive consultation, according to Lana, and the House of Assembly candidates also participated in the decision-making process.
He said, “During my radio interview recently, I duly informed the members of the public that whatever step I would take would be determined by the decision of all candidates, especially the House of Assembly candidates of the SDP of which I am the governorship flagbearer.
“We have also consulted widely. We have talked with some national officers of the party and my supporters among the trade unions, traditional rulers, market associations and religious bodies.
“As you are aware, in almost all radio interviews I attended, I was asked whether, as it had become the habit of this party, I too would step down at the end of the day. Believing I was in the midst of ideologically sound members, and knowing myself as a principled person, I always answered in the negative. I believed fervently that my gospel of preaching issues and ideas would earn me the victory that the people of the state deserve.”
The preceding few weeks’ events, according to Lana, had shown him to be mistaken in his belief that money politics and winning by purchasing votes were the only viable options for party leaders.
He bemoaned the fact that some party officials in the state had sold them out for a pittance and made declarations in favor of the opposition without getting their permission or knowledge.
“We had to sit down and rethink and take a decision that will be in the best interest of the neglected and aggrieved party members, the candidates and the generality of the people of the state that we set out to serve. After several consultations, we resolved that the best thing for the state right now is to align ourselves with a really progressive candidate.
“We have, therefore, resolved to inform all our teeming supporters to vote massively for Makinde of the PDP on Saturday, March 18, 2023 and get him (re)elected as governor of the state.”
