The candidate of the National Interest Party (NIP), in the last guber election in Oyo State, Bolanle Sarumi-Aliyu, has joined soon-to-be ruling party, People’s Democratic Party, PDP.
Sarumi-Aliyu explained reportedly explained that “the decision was arrived at after due consultation,” according to a report by The Anchor Online.
“What we stood for, even in NIP was that Oyo State indigenes deserve the very best in terms of governance. And I am sure many people will agree with me that things can be better than what obtains presently. The conscientious efforts of the Governor-elect, Engineer Seyi Makinde to make things better over the years, even when he was not holding any elective position have proved him to be a honourable, forthright and noble spirited person”.
Continuing, Sarumi-Aliyu, who prides herself as the ‘Jagaban of the masses’ also stated that “I cannot hold in all the good plans I have and I will gladly give them to the Governor. I am drawn to him mainly because of his philanthropic activities and secondly, he didn’t get there through the effort of any godfather, God Himself made it possible. So, he is a good choice”.
Inferring that there might actually be a working relationship between the NIP and the PDP, Mrs. Sarumi-Aliyu pointed out that “our presidential candidate actually stepped down for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar. And I must also state that the move is in the interest of the people. I will assist the Governor if given the opportunity so he can serve well”.
She also urged the people of Oyo State not to use the Ajimobi administration’s eight year-rule as a yardstick for measuring the success of the incoming administration. “Four years may not be enough to make the desired change in Oyo State as a lot of work needs to be done. The earlier we start to tackle the challenges facing our dear state, the better. I look forward to living in a robust state that provides ample opportunity for her citizens to thrive”, she concluded.
