Bayo Adelabu, candidate of Accord for the 2023 general elections in Oyo state has said that winning the gubernatorial elections in the state will be the best birthday gift he is expecting from supporters.
Adelabu said this, on Wednesday, at a lecture organized in commemoration of his 52nd birthday by support groups in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
The lecture titled “2023: General Elections In Nigeria And The Problem Of Leadership Selection: What Roles For Political Parties And The Electorate?” was delivered by Professor Dhikru Adewale Yagboyaju from the Department of Political Science, University of Ibadan.
The former Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria said he has noted some of the mistakes he made in the 2019 campaign and promised to ensure they don’t repeat themselves as the 2023 campaign starts.
He added that support groups have roles to play in the campaign adding that 2 or 3 people will be picked from all support groups to join the central campaign council.
He urged supporters not to fight with members of any political parties especially members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, adding that the remaining members in Oyo APC after his defection are still loyal to him.
While giving the welcome address, the convener of the event, Comrade Femi Awogboro described Adelabu as a builder of great men adding that he is an employer of thousands of labor across many sectors.
He said: “My principal is a builder of great men and an identifier of great talents and minds like him as he has successfully built great individuals in the academic, professional, business political world.
“In quest to contribute to the development of his beloved state, Oyo State which he will continue as the Executive Governor of Oyo State come 2023 Insha Allah. He is currently an employer of thousands of labor across many sectors.
“I personally want to appreciate the continuous blessings of God upon the live of Chief Abdulwaheed Adebayo Adelabu, his family, his career, and political life and pray that on the next edition of his birthday, he shall be addressed as the Executive Governor of Oyo State.
“Warren Dennis said and I quote “Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality” and this is expected of good leaders, but we can all agree that there are various challenges in raising good and sound leaders which I’m sure our distinguish Professor will do proper justice to it.”
Earlier, the lecturer, Professor Yagboyaju said leaders, electorates and political parties have roles to play in sustaining Nigeria’s democracy.
He described Bayo Adelabu as a leader with adequate mental capacity.
