By Ismail Azeez
The Renewed Hope Ambassador Coordinator in Osun State, Hon. Sunday Akere, has dismissed reports alleging that he downplayed the relevance of party leader, Sen. Iyiola Omisore, ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
Akere described the claims as mischief and a deliberate distortion of facts by opposition elements.
In a statement made available to journalists, he said his attention was drawn to a report suggesting that he stated Omisore’s exit from the All Progressives Congress (APC) would not affect the party’s chances in the Aug. 15 governorship election.
According to him, the claim was false and taken out of context.
“My attention has been drawn to the misleading report by opposition elements alleging that I said our leader, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, could leave the party without affecting our chances in the forthcoming governorship election.
“I have taken time to listen to the almost one-hour interview and was shocked by the level of mischief, distortion of facts, and falsehood contained in the report.
“For clarity, I have attached the relevant portions of the interview where questions about our leader were addressed. At no time did I denigrate or speak negatively about him,” he said.
Akere explained that he had stated during the interview that party elders were engaging Omisore to resolve any concerns and expressed confidence that the former governor would play a leading role in the party’s campaign ahead of the election.
He also noted that he spoke positively about Omisore’s leadership and commitment to the party’s success.
“I said our elders are already in talks with him to resolve any grey areas, and I am confident he will be at the forefront of our campaign before Aug. 15.
“At no point did I make any statement to undermine our leader. I spoke glowingly about his capacity to lead us to victory,” he added.
Akere further stated that in a hypothetical scenario where Omisore emerged as the party’s candidate, other aspirants would rally round him to ensure victory.
He accused opposition elements in the state of attempting to create division within the APC but insisted that such efforts would not succeed.
According to him, Omisore remains a respected political figure who would not be swayed by what he described as opposition tactics.