2023: Oyo lawmaker, Razak Mabaje gets PDP return ticket

By Richard Thomas, Ibadan

The incumbent lawmaker representing Ido State Constituency in  the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Razak  Mabaje has clinched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for a second tenure.

Westernpost gathered that Mabaje, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Employment, Labour, Productivity and Pension emerged as the consensus candidate of the party in Ido Local Government ahead of the forthcoming general elections in 2023.

It was gathered that four aspirants had earlier insisted that the party leadership conduct a free and fair primary rather than imposing a candidate through a consensus arrangement.

The aspirants, including Sunday Ojedele, Olanipekun Gafar Ojimi, Kazeem Oyepeju and Steven Adedayo Fapetu maintained that they stand against imposition, calling  on Governor Seyi Makinde to ensure that the principles of democracy is upheld in the council.

However, a source who pleaded not to be named, said Governor Seyi Makinde had in a meeting with party leaders told them to seek amicable modalities in choosing candidates for the party.

The PDP leader said Mabaje had done enough within his capacity to merit a vote of confidence and support with his return as State Assembly member for a second term, adding that the lawmaker with his experience is seen as a sellable candidate who can deliver for the party again in 2023.

“Other leaders, executives and elders of our dear PDP in Ido Local Government have unanimously endorsed and supported Mabaje, that’s just the fact. Even our performing governor, Seyi Makinde is interested in experienced politicians, popular candidates and not green horns that would be struggling to get the job done properly. We can’t take chances, Makinde must win this election,” he said.

Mabaje in a chat with Westernpost on the development said his decision to run for a second term is to enable him continue and complement projects he started in 2019.

He urged the people of Oyo State and his constituency to rally support for Governor Makinde and his second term bid so that he can deliver more dividends of democracy to them.