Ogunlade Hails Party Leaders, Supporters, Promises Inclusiveness After Emerging APC Candidate in Ibarapa East
By Ranmilowo Ojalumo -Hon. Babatunde Ogunlade has expressed deep gratitude to leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following his emergence as the party’s candidate for the Oyo State House of Assembly, Ibarapa East State Constituency, in the primary election held on Wednesday.
In a statement titled “A Heart of Gratitude: Together We Won, Together We Shall Progress,” Ogunlade said his victory was not personal but a collective achievement of the entire party family, describing it as a product of unity, democracy, and shared commitment to progress.
“With a heart full of gratitude and deep appreciation to Almighty God, I sincerely thank all leaders of our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), party elders, party executives, critical stakeholders, delegates, co-aspirants, party faithful, youths, women groups, and the entire members of our party for the overwhelming support, encouragement, and confidence reposed in me during yesterday’s keenly contested primary election,” he said.
He stressed that the outcome of the primary reflected the strength and cohesion of the party, noting that every participant played a role in the eventual success. “This victory is not mine alone; it is a collective victory for all our co-aspirants, supporters, stakeholders, and the entire APC family. It is a victory for unity, democracy, progress, and our shared vision for a better future,” he stated.
Ogunlade also commended his fellow aspirants for what he described as their maturity and sportsmanship throughout the contest, saying their conduct strengthened internal democracy within the party. “I deeply appreciate every co-aspirant for the maturity, sacrifices, commitment, and sportsmanship displayed throughout the process. Your participation strengthened our party and enriched our democratic values,” he added.
Reiterating his commitment to inclusiveness, the APC candidate said the mandate he received belonged to all stakeholders in the constituency and not just him as the flag bearer. “I want to sincerely emphasize that this mandate belongs to all of us. Though one person emerged as the candidate, the success recorded is the success of our great party, APC, and every individual who aspired with genuine passion to serve our people,” he said.
He further extended what he described as a hand of fellowship to all stakeholders and co-aspirants, assuring them of unity and cooperation going forward. “I consider it a rare privilege and honour to represent not just myself, but all our co-aspirants and the entire APC family in an atmosphere of unity, mutual respect, and all-inclusive relationship. I therefore extend my hands of fellowship and partnership to everyone, assuring you that there shall be no division, discrimination, or exclusion,” Ogunlade said.
He pledged to run an inclusive political structure built on cooperation and collective progress, saying, “Together, we shall build a stronger political family founded on love, cooperation, inclusiveness, and collective progress.”
Ogunlade also assured party members and constituents of his commitment to fair and people-oriented representation if elected into office. “I remain humbled by the trust bestowed upon me and I assure everyone that I shall uphold the values of fairness, dedication, quality representation, and people-oriented legislation that will positively impact every ward, community, and stakeholder,” he said.
He prayed for continued unity and divine guidance for the party and its members. “May Almighty God continue to bless and strengthen all our leaders, stakeholders, supporters, co-aspirants, and members. May He grant us wisdom, peace, unity, good health, and victory in all our future political engagements. Thank you all for standing with me,” he added.
