Oyo State Social Democratic Party (SDP) gubernatorial candidate Michael Lana has stepped down as Gov. Seyi Makinde ahead of the state’s gubernatorial election this weekend.
Rana announced his intention to withdraw from the gubernatorial race at a news conference in Ibadan on Tuesday.
The SDP candidate’s adoption of Makind came after his party executives adopted Teslim Folarin, the state’s All Progressive Congress (APC) governor’s standard-bearer.
Former Oyo State Attorney General and Judiciary Commissioner Rana said he has informed the people of the state that any steps he will take will be decided by all SDP candidates, especially those running for House seats.
“After much consultation, we believe that the best thing for Oyo State University at this time is to align us with a truly progressive candidate,” he said.
The former commissioner said he was motivated by an emotional statement from a 70-year-old woman who said Makinde paid her pension in a timely manner and cared for the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is the quality of a man who began to write his name in history and ensure the upliftment of the oppressed in our state.
“After discussing with him, we decided that Makind needs the help of all capable people in and around Oyo State to realize his dream for our state.
“Therefore, we have decided to inform all our supporters to vote in mass for PDP Governor Seyi Makinde on Saturday, March 18 and have him elected as Governor of Oyo State,” he added.
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