A former governorship candidate and prominent stalwart in the All Progressive Party (APC) in Oyo state; Sen. Olufemi Lanlehin has declared his disinterest in contesting any elective position in the 2023 general election.
The former Senator, in a statement signed by him, stated that his decision not to seek any elective position in the state was influenced the past and present political activities in the country especially in his home state; Oyo.
Sen. Lanlehin who recently joined the APC from ADC had been speculated to be interested in running for either a governorship or a senatorial contest in Oyo South.
However, the lawyer-cum-politician said he had to be firm in taking a decision regarding his political future, having also consulted widely with his people across the state.
“As a democrat and progressive politician, whose guiding principle is truth, fidelity and probity, I wish to state that having taken a deep, thorough, comprehensive and dispassionate look at the past and present political terrain and activities in Nigeria in general, and Oyo State in particular, there is the need for me to take a firm stand as regards my political future.
“Pursuant to the above, and in response to calls and enquiries from far and near, I hereby announce publicly, having resolved privately after wide consultation, that I will not be contesting any elective position come 2023.
“However, I will continue to remain in partisan politics as a stakeholder as I retain my membership of the All Progressive Congress (APC) while participating fully in its ongoing reorganisation and repositioning.
“I pledge to numerous allies, supporters and admirers in the APC that I shall continue to support their efforts and aspirations whether at party congresses and conventions, or elective government positions.
“My contribution towards the welfare and development of the people of Oyo State and Yorubaland in particular and Nigeria, in general, is assured,” he said.
Lanlehin campaigned for the restructuring of the country and a return to federalism just as he tasked the leadership to take certain “fundamental and constitutional steps” to ensure “credible, free and fair elections in 2023.”
“These steps include but not limited to, guaranteeing a safe and secure country, revamping the economy in order to provide employment for our teeming unemployed youths as well as restructuring the Nigerian state. These steps, if well handled, will entrench the unity, prosperity and progress of Nigeria.
“Likewise, it is imperative that Nigeria retraces its steps back to true federalism, justice and fairness, as a way of deepening democracy, progress and good governance.
“What is, therefore, paramount in my mind, is the progress of Nigeria generally, and that of Oyo State and the entire Yorubaland in particular, and I will, God willing, in collaboration with like-minds, commit to these goals,” he said.
