By Seyi Babalola
Michael Lana, the Social Democratic Party’s candidate for governor of Oyo State, has dropped out of the contest and backed Seyi Makinde, the governor-elect of the Peoples Democratic Party.
At a news conference conducted on Tuesday at Iyaganku Quarters in Ibadan, the state capital, he explained his viewpoint.
The choice to support the current governor by resigning was made after extensive consultation, according to Lana, and the House of Assembly candidates also participated in the decision-making process.
“I duly told the public during my recent radio interview that any action I would take would be determined by the decision of all candidates, including the House of Assembly candidates of the SDP of which I am a member,” he stated.
“We have also consulted widely. We have talked with some national officers of the party and my supporters among the trade unions, traditional rulers, market associations and religious bodies.
“As you are aware, in almost all radio interviews I attended, I was asked whether, as it had become the habit of this party, I too would step down at the end of the day. Believing I was in the midst of ideologically sound members, and knowing myself as a principled person, I always answered in the negative. I believed fervently that my gospel of preaching issues and ideas would earn me the victory that the people of the state deserve.”
Lana pointed out that events of the past few weeks had proved him wrong as some party chieftains believed only in money politics and victory by vote-buying.