Former House of Representatives aspirant under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Akanbi Ilyas Shola, on Tuesday, drummed support for the second term bid of the state governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
Ilyas who claimed to have recently led the PDP ‘Osuwa’ rally, also announced his defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) at a news conference he addressed in Ilorin, the state capital.
Ilyas said he decided to dump the PDP because of the party’s lack of youth inclusion in its programmes at both the state and national level.
He hailed Governor AbdulRazaq’s administration’s youth friendly programmes and polices, noting that the governor has deliberately make youths very important allies by appointing them into key political and government offices.
Shola added:” I have realised through experience and exposure that
we need a government and party that cares about youths inclusion in politics to
develop this country which is lacking in the PDP.
“The PDP has failed to give up the stage by recognising
the youths in every matter related to the success of the party.
Throughout my lifetime, I have remained a loyal and committed frontline member
of the PDP. In December 2022, I led some group of people to organise a town hall
meeting tagged: “Arewa Decides Project 2023” to awake political consciousness
among the youths in Kwara State. It is also on record that on the 19th of January,
2023, I led Ilorin East/Ilorin South Osuwa Constituency rally across some streets of
Ilorin to raise support for the PDP. Alas, it has dawned on me that the PDP has not
learnt any lesson from the defeat of 2019, particularly on youths inclusion.
“For days, I have pondered over the words of some stakeholders whose advisory note
led me to trace the failure of the PDP, their inability to
recognize the youth constituency as an integral part of the party, and also the game-
changer of the country’s political terrain. I was in awe of the pathetic situation I found myself alongside several other loyal party members, in limbo, which eventually led to the parting way with the party.
” No administration in the history of our state has given opportunities to the youths to
showcase themselves like the administration of Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq
has done in the last three and half years. It is therefore incumbent on Kwara Youths
to support Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq who is reputed for massive
empowerment of the youths. Under this administration, our youths are being supported across different sectors. I do hope this will continue and things will get
much better for the youths constituency.
“It is quite disheartening that the dying PDP in which I toiled day and night failed to
take the youth into account. They failed to recognise that the füture belongs to
youths. On this note, I have come to terms with making a bold statement and joining hands
with the true progressives in the APC in order to actualise my dreams and make
positive changes in the lives of my people.
“Consequently, after a round of prayers with my creator, my family, supporters and
well-wishers, I, Amb. Akanbi Ilyas Shola hereby announce my defection from the
Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) while I formally express my intention to join the
ruling All Progressives Congress, to make positive changes for my people and
Nigeria at large.”
Ends
