‘Why Abiodun will win Ogun guber race’

It was said that you were edged out of the race for the ticket of Ado-Odo Ota federal constituency in the APC for lack of political antecedent. How would you react to that?

That is not true. I believe that everything is about the right time. What happened was as a result of certain leadership tussle in the party. We have culture, rules and organization in Ogun State.

Moreover, I have antecedents in politics. I have a strong and rich pedigree in politics. My father, Chief Zacheus Oluwole Ashade, was a member of the Ogun State House of Assembly during the time of Chief Olusegun Osoba. And he did very wonderfully well. He achieved a lot for his people as a lawmaker. In fact, it was for that reason that the people in my constituency called me out to seek a platform and serve them. I had been South-West coordinator of Youth Empowerment for Good Governance. So, they know my worth. They know what I can do and they know I understand the nooks and crannies of the constituency, Ado-Odo/Ota.

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It was the leadership of our party that felt it was not yet time for me. And as I said, I believe in doing things at the right time. I accepted that its Gods decision. I thank God that there were so many parties that invited me, but which I rejected. I believe that the APC-led government has done wonderfully well. So, I have no regret.

Are you speaking of the party’s performance in Ogun State?

Yes, but not only in Ogun State. It has done well in Oyo State. It has done well all over Nigeria. The youth organisation that I used to coordinate does not align with any political party. We love a party that performs. That is why I was asked to go and represent my people with any political party I want. And I aligned with the progressives. We thank God that we are still loyal to the party, both at the state and federal levels.

What is your contribution to politics of Oyo State?

When we started Youth Empowerment for Good Governance, we evolved plan for the youths across the entire nation. I coordinated the South-West.We related with all parties and we saw that the programmes of the APC we most desirable. Most of our activities are carried out in Oyo State. I have been a very active member of the APC in the entire South-West since then.

Besides, I am close the governorship candidate of our party in Oyo State. I am a supporter of putting round pegs in round holes. I love putting tested and competent peoples in places of authority. It has been long that we have been hearing that we youths are the leaders of tomorrow. I think with the likes of Chief Bayo Adelabu, the tomorrow is here. He is a youth. That’s why we in our organization have aligned with the APC. We, the youth have been represented in APC government. Adelabu is even promising us five times the representation we are currently getting in Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s government currently. He is assuring us of that and we believe him. He has started an NGO since 2007 when he was not in politics, taking care of the poor and widows.

After the contest for the House of Representatives ticket, where next are you going in Ogun politics?

It is not about me. It is about our party and our collective destiny. I believe that there is nothing that will stop Prince Dapo Abiodun from becoming the next governor of the state. He has what it takes. I am always not biased when it comes to that kind of thing. Akinlade is equally a good candidate, but Abiodun is the one our party presented. I believe that God will chose for us. When our state and our party are progressing, we will also progress politically. So, it’s not strictly about ambition.