I Am Prepared To Serve, Not To Buy Votes Says Ayinla Egba, Declares for Chairmanship Race in Ogun

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

Ogun-based broadcaster and grassroots leader, Chief Olalekan Alex Shoyinka, popularly known as Ayinla Egba,has made bold declarations about his readiness to play grassroots politics without buying votes, as he vies for the Chairmanship of Abeokuta South Local Government under the Action Democratic Party (ADP).

Ayinla Egba as he is fondly called made this known while speaking at a press conference held at the NUJ Secretariat, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, stressing that his campaign would not rely on monetary inducements to secure votes, but rather on his track record and commitment to the people.

The broadcaster turned politician, Ayinla Egba, who holds the traditional title of Gbadegesin of Ijemo, Egbaland, declared that his decision to run for the Chairmanship position is driven by a deep sense of responsibility and a desire to uplift the people of Abeokuta South. 

Abeokuta South Local Government Secretariat Ake

In his speech titled “For a Better Society: My Pact with the People of Abeokuta South Local Government Area of Ogun State,” he outlined his vision for transforming the local government and improving the lives of its residents.

My decision to contest for this exalted position is not for personal gain or to harness undue advantage,” he stated. 

“I have been brought up as a man of honour, valour, and dignity, and I believe that the interest of the people should always come first.”

Ayinla Egba, a seasoned broadcast journalist, emphasized that his professional experience has equipped him with the patience and tolerance necessary to listen to the people and address their concerns.

He noted that his ambition to lead is rooted in a genuine desire to address the challenges facing the local government, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, agriculture, education, and youth empowerment.

“Being a grassroots man, I know where the shoe pinches, and I feel the pains of the people. My primary ambition is to alleviate the challenges our people face from a lack of good governance and maladministration,” Ayinla Egba said. 

“I am more inclined to respect the interests of the people whose mandate I hold in trust.”

A key aspect of Ayinla Egba’s campaign is his commitment to transparency and accountability.

 He pledged to operate what he termed the “cycle of ‘O’ and not ‘Q’,” explaining that resources would be distributed equitably among all wards and not concentrated in the hands of a few.

 He also promised to prioritise agricultural development, improve educational standards, and enhance market infrastructure to boost local commerce.

In a striking contrast to the typical political campaigns that often rely on vote-buying, Ayinla Egba made it clear that he would not engage in such practices. 

“I don’t have the money to buy people’s conscience, but I am well prepared for the election and the responsibility that comes with it,” he asserted.

 “The money to prosecute the project will come, but it will not be used to buy votes.”

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News gathered that Ayinla Egba’s candidacy is fast gaining momentum of significant support in the media landscape as many of his Media colleagues have pledged to assist him with campaign materials, including billboards, posters, and branded vehicles in his Chairmanship aspirations for the premier local government in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital.

In his closing remarks, Ayinla Egba urged the people of Abeokuta South to come out en masse on the election day and exercise their right to vote, calling on them to look beyond party lines and vote for candidates with a genuine commitment to the community. 

“I rely on your votes to translate the cry for good governance at the grassroots into reality,” he concluded.