Date: 2018-10-09

Hon. Tunji Ajulo-Opin Olawuyi, a Rep candidate under the All Progressive Congress party (APC) in Kwara State, has expressed optimism that the party would come out victorious in the coming 2019 general elections.

Olawuyi made the assertion while addressing party supporters in Omu-Aran, after winning the party's House of Representatives slot for Kwara South Federal Constituency in the primary election conducted on Friday.

He maintained that the party's victory at all levels was non-negotiable going by high level of awareness and political participation among the people at the grassroots, especially as concerned the youths.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Olawuyi had took a short as an aspirant toward the same position during 2015 general elections.

Olawuyi said his campaign team was now battle ready and more focus than ever, in ensuring the desired victory for the party at the poll.

"Am happy that the party's primary that gave us this mandate as the flag bearer was based on popularity and merit devoid of any act of vote buying or other related acts.

"You can ask from those that coordinated and voted during the primary election there was no any kind of financial inducement from campaign team whatsoever.

"I have made it clear to everyone that we will not indulge in any kind of money politics.

"If eventually we didn't win this primary election that means we are not wanted and we should seat back and watch.

"But today, I am very happy that you aligned with our slogan of operation show your manifesto and not your financial capacity to get the votes," he said.

The APC candidate urged the party supporters to remain dedicated and committed, saying that the challenges ahead deserves more sacrifice in order to achieve the desired objective.

He also used the opportunity to advise the electorates to refrain from engaging in trading their PVC for monetary inducement, saying such was alien to the nation's democratic norms.

Olawuyi praised the party leaders and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for ensuring a credible and peaceful primary in spite of few challenges.

He said that most communities, especially at the grassroots, are in dire need of projects and empowerment to boost their trade, commercial and business activities.

"Our people, particularly the youths need to be genuinely empowered.

"Not the kind of empowerment that your distribute Okadas but real empowerment that will impact positively on their lives and those of others," he said.

Olawuyi who thanked the people for the trust reposed in him with the mandate, promised to prioritise education, human capital development, health and improved well-being through adequate shelter and accommodation, if elected into office.

"Representation is all about trust, equity, fairness and having the zeal to serve the people and take care of their yearnings and aspirations.

"During my campaign travels, I get to know more about how our communities have been deprived of virtually every basic amenities.

"With your trust, I will work tirelessly on your behalf to help address challenges, and to secure lasting and meaningful advances to your quality of life.