Bankole Afilaka Opakan Withdraws from Race

Chief Daniel Bankole Afilaka, popularly called  Opakan, an aspirant for the House of Representative under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has withdrawn from the race,

Afilaka announced his withdrawal from the race in a statement on Sunday.

Press Statement by Chief Daniel Bankole Afilaka on withdrawal of candidacy to.run for HOR Ijesha South Federal Constituency under the PDP.  

Gentlemen of the press, party leaders and well wishers alike; I am using this medium  to convey my decision to withdraw my aspiration for candidacy in the forthcoming general elections in 2019 as a Member of the National Assembly representing the good people of Ijesha South Federal Constituency following  extensive review of our political landscape and more importantly the readiness of our party the PDP to take over the mantle of leadership in our dear Osun State.

My decision is hinged on two critical factors; one being the opportunity afforded me to look critically at the way our party is currently being run at the Ward,  Local and State levels as well as the readiness of our people in general to move away from the one track mindedness with which Ijesha politics has been characterized since the advent of democratic politicking in Nigeria.

In view of both these points and my personal reservations that our dear party appears to still be yet to learn critical lessons after being in political opposition for almost 8 years; i hereby regrettably withdraw my candidacy to focus on my business and support whoever i believe may add value to the lives  of our great people amongst all the current aspirants at the Ward, Local, State, Senatorial and National levels.

For the avoidance of doubt, i have not cast my lot with any aspirant and wish them all equal luck in their political oddysey.

I thank all the members of the OPA Artisans Network, OPA Students Network, OPA Youth Movement and all other appendant organizations that have shown grit in making the necessary moves to give me a good chance at implementing my lofty ideals for our people.

I also thank all the Party leaders who at some point played host to me during my declaration and subsequent tours across the 4 local governments of Ijesha South Federal Constituency.

Thanks for your understanding as whilst being the flag bearer of our dear party would have been an honour, it is also important that i stand  firm about my principles in democratic politics.

Signed

Daniel Bankole Afilaka
House of Reps Aspirant
Ijesha South Federal Constituency