The Peoples Redemption Party gubernatorial candidate in the coming June 20 governorship election in Ekiti State, Pastor Ayodele Olaniyi Praise has urged Ekiti people to waste their votes on him come June 20 for a better future noting that being poor will be a crime for any citizen in the State if he wins the coming governorship election.
The PRP flag bearer said this on Monday in Ado Ekiti while interacting with journalists in his office. Ayodele appealed to the people not to sell their votes but rather vote for him as the best candidate and shun the act of selling their conscience for ₦2,000 or ₦5,000.
Pastor Ayodele Olaniyi, popularly known as AOP, therefore appealed to voters in Ekiti State to look beyond party popularity and assess individual capacity, integrity, and track record.
The Ikere-Ekiti born politician unveiled a six-point development agenda tagged PRAISE PACT which he highlighted as follows:
P– Prosperity and Health for All
R – Rural Development
A – Agriculture and Industrialization
I – Infrastructure
S– Security and Social Stability
E– Education, Empowerment and Employment
He noted that even though Ekiti State has been adjudged as one of the poorest states on paper, he is convinced that the state has the resources to make every citizen prosperous. Under his administration, he promised subsidized healthcare including drugs for chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes, with special focus on the elderly, maternal health, and persons with disabilities
Ayodele Olaniyi said he was driven by guided principle, ideology, and a belief in social democracy to contest under the PRP platform noting his choice of the party among other political parties explained that he believes government should return to the people and that democracy should be, government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
According to him, “The benefits of governance should not be for a select few. Everybody should benefit from the dividends of democracy.” He added that he is seeking an atmosphere free of godfathers where elected officials can fulfill promises made to the people without interference.
Ayodele said neither the power of incumbency, strength or popularity of the ruling party, All Progressive Congress, (APC) can hinder or dwarf his belief and ambition saying, “All of us are Nigerians and every Nigerian has the right to contest. I believe people of integrity and character should come out. Politics is not bad, bad people make politics bad. If good people come into politics, politics will become good.”
He reiterated that Ekiti remains largely agrarian, he said his government would bridge the gap between urban centers and rural communities through roads, markets, and industrial hubs.
AOP pledged to industrialize farming, ensure off-takers for produce, and create farm-to-market roads. On infrastructure, he equally promised needs-based development, including cottage industries in all 16 local government areas and alternative power solutions through biomass, hydro, solar, and turbines.
Tackling the security challenges in the State, AOP, who said he led rallies for the establishment of Amotekun, declared support for both state policing and community policing.
“Security is not an option. We must do all we can to secure our people,”. He said. He added that his administration would adopt a preventive approach with surveillance at all entry points into Ekiti and stronger collaboration with traditional institutions.
On education and employment, Pastor Ayodele proposed practical, skill-based education with acquisition centers in all LGAs to reduce dependence on civil service jobs. He also promised interest-free or low-interest loans and training backed with opportunities for youth and women.
While advising the electorate, he urged them to come out en masse to cast their votes on the election day, maintaining that Ekiti people are one.
“Whoever emerges, we remain brothers. Look at the individual, look at the party. I have a record of service as a student union president where I built hostels, a radio station, and a library. If I could do that then, how much more as governor?” He said.
