It is fascinating to see Governor Ademola Adeleke and other leaders come on board for the re-election bid of our Presidential Candidate. For those who truly love this party and the progress of our nation, this is not a moment for suspicion. It is a moment for statesmanship.
The progressive family must now stop seeing Governor Adeleke as an opposition. The outcome of the last governorship election reflected the political realities and choices of that moment, not a permanent division in our shared progressive ideals. It is time to look forward, with maturity and with determination to partner with Governor Adeleke to move our country forward.
Let us be honest with ourselves. The success of the presidential election matters more to us as a progressive family than any personal grudge. Nigeria is bigger than Osun. The Renewed Hope agenda is bigger than our individual ambitions. If Governor Adeleke has chosen to work for the success of Mr President, that decision should be seen as a sacrifice, not as a slap, and not as an attempt to degrade our party.
A man who chooses to stand with us at a time like this is extending a hand of cooperation. We must not push that hand away.
However, statesmanship demands responsibility from both sides. The challenge is now on Governor Adeleke to build a good and genuine relationship with APC followers and with the former government of unity. I would suggest that he sits down with local leaders across the state and works out the modalities to ensure there is a harmonious and specific direction on other elective posts, such as the Senate and the House of Representatives.
This must be done with serious intention to ensure there is no protest, even from his Accord party members. There must be fairness, there must be consultation, and there must be respect for the structures that have laboured for this party over the years.
This should take us back to the drawing table where we discuss a sharing formula that is just and acceptable to all. It is also the perfect opportunity as we canvass for his glorious return to the progressive camp, a return he had earlier attempted before the August election.
Progressives, let us think ahead. If we allow pride and bitterness to deny us a united front for the presidential election, we will be the losers. But if we unite, if we cooperate, and if we support Mr President's ambition with one voice, Osun will remain relevant at the center, and Nigeria will move forward.
Let us unite. Let us cooperate. Let us support Mr President's ambition for a greater Nigeria.
