The SDP Candidate for Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Barr. Abdul-Waheed Bayo Raji has described Nigeria’s democracy and current political participation as one that has been largely monetized.
Bayo Raji disclosed this, while speaking with news men at his country home, Iseyin, Iseyin Local Government, Area of Oyo State.
Iseyin-born politician and lawyer stressed that, the current practice of democracy and intent to seek for political offices in Southwest and Nigeria at large had become an act requiring huge amount of money.
While speaking on its negative implication, Bayo Raji who came fourth at the last Presidential and National Assembly elections maintained that an idea of monetizing politics would no doubt have negative effects of poor performances by some public office holders, and other associated consequences if not curbed henceforth.
He however admitted his defeat at the last election and noted that his participation was seen as a competition in a game which would culminate in either winning or lose.
He added that, out of nine(9) candidates who participated in a contest for the House of Representatives, he was grateful to God almighty that he came fourth despite many challenges which were in connection with the engagement.
Bayo Raji admitted that, some factors which are ranged from money politics, town influence and others worked against him at the poll, reiterating that, that has not discouraged him but gave him cause to thank God almighty.
On governorship and state assembly elections coming up on Saturday, March 18, the ex chairman of Iseyin Descendants’ Union(IDU) said, SDP had alliance with APC and they would all vote its gubernatorial candidate, Senator Teslim Kolawole Folarin on the day.
He added that, their resolve to vote Folarin was consequent upon his pledge on actualisation of local government autonomy, rapid development across Oyo State, and rural development among others.
Bayo Raji however described Rt. Hon. Mulikat Akande Adeola, the party’s candidate for Oyo North Senatorial District as a woman of substance, respect, humility and philanthropist per excellence.
He equally described her as an excellent general who has all it requires to lead war into victory without losing any of her lieutenants.
Bayo Raji commended her on how she advised candidates to run for elective posts, how she provided them logistics and appreciable ways she led the party since inception.
He said, though Allah knows the next destination, he still wants her to contest for a seat at red chamber of National Assembly or something higher than that at the next political dispensation.
Bayo Raji however asked people to be orderly, calm and peaceful while exercising their civic responsibility tomorrow, calling on Law Enforcement Agencies(LEAs) to be at alert on their duties to ensure that elections are hitch free and devoid of any disruption nor hindrances.
