EPE News
APC Political Rally in Epe Division: The Gongs and Bells of Epe Division Resound with “Asiwaju Bola Tinubu”
By Otunba T J Abass
It was a glittering showcase of the community’s political class, a symphony of solidarity, unity, and love not only in relation to a flawless execution, but also in relation to the mammoth crowd, real political diehards, not hired crowds as always alleged by opposition group) that attended the event, a succinct affirmation of the readiness and determination of the political class to deliver Epe division to the All Progressive Congress Presidential flag bearer and other APC candidates in the forthcoming election.
EDITOR’S PICKS
The Epe Division has a long-standing reputation as the engine that drives the political machine in the state, wielding the power that casts every election – gubernatorial and presidential alike. The eyes of the states were always fixed upon Epe in anticipation of the results that would either seal or swing the outcome of the election.
This held sway in the Epe Division until the infiltration of a cunning breed of politicians who sought to shatter its monopoly and sow the seeds of division. Their divide-and-rule tactics took root, creating a fissure in the fabric of the community and acting as a stubborn impediment to growth and progress. The story of Epe became one of dichotomy and strife as the forces of division and deceit triumphed over the forces of unity and progress.
For far too long, Epe Division was left out in the cold, ignored, and taken out of the equation despite its untapped potential. As expected, not too many co-communities can survive such an onslaught of calculated demagoguery, divisiveness, and dichotomy threatening to sweep Epe away. But, against all odds, Epe Division has, in the last one or two decades, risen from the ashes like a phoenix, reborn with a new set of political ideologies, visionary leaders, and a steadfast commitment to progress. With steady steps, this resurgent division is marching toward political prominence and inching closer to political stardom.
The new dawn in Epe and the paradigm shift witnessed in the last decades can be attributed to several drivers – the emergence of people-oriented leaders and representatives, the institutionalizing of life-changing programs matched by the cooperation of the enthusiastic and well-informed voters who are prepared to jettison the capacious old culture of mediocrity and dichotomy, the mantra of the old Epe and the reason for the developmental stagnation.
These shifts in the political class and the citizens’ perspectives are reflected in the growth and expansion of the division from the coaster city of Ibeju Lekki to the hinterlands of Eredo, Epe Agbowa Ikosi, and Ejinrin.
This was especially evident in the recently held rally, a magnificent display of solidarity and strength that will be remembered as the crowning jewel of the division’s political resurgence.
On January 24th, 2023, the mother of all rallies was held, a historic moment that showcased the newfound unity and determination of the political class and the citizens alike.
Despite facing initial hurdles in the form of two instances of postponements, the eagerly awaited event finally kicked off with a start, a testament to the old adage that “good things come to those who wait.” The postponements may have been a disappointment, but the end result was nothing short of a triumph, a gratifying outcome that was well worth the wait.
The air was crackling with energy as party supporters began to arrive as early as 8 a.m. The scene was a melting pot of various groups, from artisan and market women to captains of industry and students, but the standout feature was the remarkable presence of the younger generation, who made up a significant portion of the enthusiastic crowd.
This was a marked departure from the trends of the past and a powerful reminder of the role that this determined younger generation plays in shaping the future. This generation believes the older generation has failed them and consider their predecessors as the architect of their misfortune. Hence, the agitation of the younger generation to be at the helm of affairs has become so boisterous in the last decade.
But as I have always stated, the problem of our country is not only with the leadership but with the followership as well. The national building is a shared responsibility, one that requires collaboration between leaders and the people they serve. We are all responsible for the success or failure of our country.
Anyway, the political class of Epe has made a stunning accomplishment with their groundwork, growing their existing database by welcoming new entrants into the political arena, especially the young.
The music was blasting from speakers strategically positioned in the venue, filling the air with an electrifying energy. The electorate in Epe Division, undoubtedly, isn’t blind to the dividends of democracy, ripe and ready to fall; they are all set to receive their own share of the scrumptious fruits.
The elected officials, basking in the glory of their hard-earned reputation, walked with heads held high. After all, they had served their constituents with pride and dedication, and now, their reward came in the form of loyalty, presence, and promised votes during the upcoming election.
Today was a day of reckoning in the similitude of a prize-giving day that spotlights best-performing students in diverse categories and ultimately debuts the valedictorian in schools.
It was a time to boast about the numerous achievements such as groundbreaking initiatives, empowerment programs, infrastructure development, the construction of roads, schools, and the lightening up of the Epe Federal Constituency. The list of successes went on and on.
The party leaders, elected representatives, and local government chairmen, accompanied by their faithful supporters, arrived to receive their performance certificates or reviews of their performance by their constituents, confident that their efforts would be acknowledged and appreciated, having religiously articulated the yearnings and aspirations of their people.
The staunch All Progressives Congress (APC) supporters clad in various T-shirts, displaying flags with one special message “songs of victory for all APC candidates”. It was about their unalloyed allegiance to all APC candidates starting with Asiwaju Tinubu and those representing the Epe Division.
Several months ago, during the fiercely competitive primaries, the language of the message was antithetical, such as “Otoge” “Otunya”, “Brother Elo se npe” “Aburo, ni suru, ilu nfemi” but today, it is a message of unity, a solidarity which underscores the importance of speaking with one voice and an affirmation of the old proverb in the political circle, “No permanent enemies, but a permanent friend”. They have since closed ranks after the primaries and are now working together, not oblivious to the importance of this coming election.
Chief Akanni Bamu. Seriki, Apex leader, and Barrister Yinka Oladunjoye were exchanging banter with party enthusiasts with confidence, patting themselves on the back like the coach of a winning team muttering in soliloquy, “Yep, we nailed this. This is money in the bank for us, ready to be cashed. Why not? The event was a huge success, a product of months of strategizing, careful planning, and meticulous implementation.”
“You can’t ask for anything better than this. We owe this success to our people, and I thank them for making us proud. Look at this turnout. This is great. Thank you, Epe Division,” the joyfully teary Chairman of East senatorial district, Yinka Oladunjoye, enthused.
The event commenced with an opening prayer invoking the Creator’s Spirit by Sheik Bode Kashif Oyedele, a veteran politician whose immeasurable contribution to the socioeconomic development of the division remains a standard to measure humanity and public service.
The speeches delivered by the Governor, Deputy Governor, and State Party Chairman, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, were in perfect harmony and echoed one another, each seeking to rally the voters and party loyalists to the polls, urging them to ensure that the All Progressive Congress’ flag bearers, Asiwaju Tinubu and Shettima, and all other candidates in the forthcoming election.
The Deputy Governor, in his opening speech, while appreciating the presence and support of the voters, acknowledged the tremendous effort of the political class for packaging this rally and their unrelenting effort during the voters’ registration that is responsible for the upsurge in the numbers of registered voters in the division. Other speakers, too, carried their platters of gratitude on behalf of the party to the attendees of the rally.
“An increased number of registered votes will be inconsequential if it doesn’t translate into votes and victory at the polls”, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat said. He, therefore, admonished them to troop out in large numbers and vote for the All Progressive Congress candidates.
“It is about you, the Epe Division voters. It is about you, Epe Division youths. It is about you, Epe Division students. It is about you, Epe Division farmers and artisans. We genuinely appreciate your efforts, and we will count on you to take us to the Promised Land.” Governor Babajide gave this emotional message of gratitude, and the message’s sincerity was evident as he used the expression “Thank you” more than 30 times in his 15-minute speech.
In an interview with Eko Hot Blog, Hon. Tobun asserted that the gathering was a celebration in advance of Tinubu’s expected victory in the upcoming election on February 25th, with the belief that victory was assured and the celebration would be long-lasting. Epe was fully behind Tinubu, his Deputy, Shetima, their Governor Babajide Sanwolu and his Deputy Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Senator Tokunbo Abinu, and the various representatives, including Hon. Wale Raji, Hon. Tobun Abiodun, Hon. Sylvester Ogunkelu, Hon. Mojeed Fatai and Hon. Orland.
“By God’s grace, we will all win, and our people are ready to support us. We will enjoy their support, and we promise them that we will do our best to bring more dividends of democracy to this community; it is our pleasure to be here. We want to use this opportunity to thank our people immensely for their support. This support is much, and we appreciate it. We don’t take it for granted; God bless all of you that has come out to honor us, to honor all the candidates. God will honor them, too.”
Honorable Wale Raji also expressed his appreciation for the people of Epe and reminded them that a vote for Asiwaju and his deputy is a vote for the development and more infrastructural development for Lagos State and, by Extension, Epe Division.
Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji, in his interview, stressed his conviction that the Epe Division will deliver nothing short of 1 million votes for Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, given the enthusiastic crowd that attended the rally.
It is evident that this mother of rallies was flawlessly designed and executed. If there was any doubt prior to the rally about who owns the division, the doubt has been cleared with the enthusiastic crowd that attended the rally. Epe Division belongs to Asiwaju.
This does not rule out the need for a replica effort to get the already enthusiastic people of the Epe division to the polling booth with a well-coordinated ground game and door-to-door campaign comparable to the 10000-foot soldier’s strategy by the Minister for Works Babatunde Raji Fashola.
As a matter of fact, every local government should adopt the strategy as this election is an election like no other.
Kudos to the Epe political class, and may this kind of cooperation continue to flourish in the division.
FURTHER READING
The day ended with the commissioning of the 18.7km Six-Lane Eleko-Epe Expressway by His Excellency Mr. Babajide Sanwolu, cabinet members, and the entire political class of the Epe division, another landmark achievement by the administration of Babajide Sanwoolu.
Click to watch our video of the week
Click The Link Below To Watch Videos From The Rally:
Interview session with Hon Mustain Abiodun Tobun
Interview session with Professor Yinka Dipeolu
Interview session with Mrs Adenike Tobun
See Photos From Rally:
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