……Says INEC extension of primaries’ deadline not to favour APC
The Chairman, Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human rights and Legal Matters, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, on Saturday, got the return ticket of the All Progressives Congress(APC) to the Senate, saying the extension of primaries’ deadline by the Independent National Independent Electoral Commission not to favour APC.
Bamidele who pledged a better and more robust deal for his constituents, if reelected in 2023, added that the extension granted by INEac will favour all parties to conduct their primaries in line with the provisions of the law.
The lawmaker, who garnered 275 delegate votes to emerge victorious, said the honour of being returned unopposed would further propel him for effective and more rewarding representation for his people.
Briefing newsmen after being declared winner of the primary at Aramoko Ekiti, headquarters of the Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Bamidele debunked the claim that INEC took the action to put the ruling party in a vantage position.
“The extension order was taken by INEC and not President Muhammadu Buhari. President Buhari didn’t order it. The commission based its justification on the pressure mounted by all political parties that there should be extension of time to which they can conduct their primaries.
“With the extension, all the parties,including the APC and other opposition can prepare ahead and do due diligence in electing their candidates.
“The APC Presidential primary is now pushed to next week and this was done because of the extension and other parties will enjoy the same privilege. To me, the extension is a welcome development”, he said.
In his acceptance speech, the serving Senator, said returning him unopposed as the party’s candidate represented highest regard and respect, that he won’t take for granted.
Bamidele added that his being returned upopposed signaled that he has done creditably well in the last three years.
“This is a reassurance that I have been doing well at the Senate. It is also an invitation for more work and the reward should come to my constituents. We will do more to make them happy, because to whom much is given, much is expected”.
He added further; “The journey of the last three years has been quite challenging, eventful and equally rewarding. The remaining one year in the 9th Senate promises to be highly impactful and re-assuring.
“Although, the tasks that lie ahead are enormous, I promise you a brighter and more rewarding future in my second tenure in office even as I rededicate myself, my talents and my wealth of unusual experience in government in the service of my constituents in Ekiti Central Senatorial District and in the stewardship to Ekiti State as well as the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“In the years to come, I promise to bring to your doorstep more Bills of far-reaching developmental impacts, more Motions relating to issues of National and International pedigree, more Empowerment and Skill Acquisition Programmes as well a Plethora of Life-Transforming Constituency Projects across Ekiti Central Senatorial District”.
Bamidele said the party having overcome its primaries should now focus attention on how to win the June 18 election for the APC candidate, Hon. Biodun Oyebanji, describing this as the best way to solidify the legacy already built by Governor Kayode Fayemi.
“Working towards the victory of our party in the June 18 should now be our focus. We have to be focused on the June 18 poll.
“As much as possible, our dream of creating a new Ekiti, where students can be well educated, where infrastructure can be sustained , where women can be relevant is one dream we all share together and making APC wins the election will actualise the dream”, Bamidele stated.
