Oyo Guber: Arapaja Under Pressure, No Blackmail Can Save Makinde From Defeat, Says Folarin

The gubernatorial candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin has lambasted the state’s former deputy governor and current Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja over his statement on a radio station in Ibadan on Tuesday.

The former Senate leader, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Com. YSO Olaniyi on Tuesday, described the Arapaja as a frustrated politician.

Arapaja, who was featured on Dende Oro, anchored by Abolade Salami on Fresh FM 105.9HZ, was said to have disparaged Senator Folarin and others on the programme

“I am a democrat, civil and responsible statesman in Oyo State. Therefore, I won’t respond to blackmail, propaganda and irresponsible attacks from any politician.

“However, I want to confirm to the people of Oyo State that Mr. Taofeek Arapaja is under intense pressure following gale of endorsements in my favour and the exodus of members of the ruling PDP and other opposition parties in the state to the APC.

“No amount of blackmail, propaganda and irresponsible attacks from Mr. Arapaja and his co-travellers can save Engr. Seyi Makinde and other PDP candidates from imminent defeat on March 18. The assurance is that the Almighty God and the downtrodden masses are behind Itesiwaju Ipinle Oyo 2023 project.

“With due respect to other candidates, I remain the most experienced public administrator and closest to the grassroots, having represented Oyo Central Senatorial District for three terms with verifiable track records of achievements and having toured the 351 wards in the sate on countless occasions.

“I am contesting the governorship seat of Oyo State to holistically improve security, education, agriculture, health, empowerment and provide employment for our youths and women to grow our economy, improve the welfare of civil servants and pensioners, ensure local government autonomy, urban renewal and rural developments, clean the environment, create wealth and do lots more.

“I’ve the capacity to do better than the current administration in the state led by the outgoing Governor Seyi Makinde.

“On a final note, I urge the good people of Oyo State not to give in to cheap blackmail, propaganda and irresponsible attacks. I have the capacity to deliver masses-focused governance as Executive Governor when elected.

“Besides, let us take full advantage of the Tinubu-Shettima Presidency by voting en-masse for the APC on Saturday. A vote for APC is for Itesiwaju Ipinle Oyo,” the statement read.