My attention has been drawn to a trending video accompanied by a short write up, purporting that I, Olayinka Oyebode, in company of some APC leaders moved from one polling unit to another in Ido-Ile Ekiti (my home town) urging people to vote for an opposition party, during last Saturday’s House of Assembly election.
While I would have ignored both the video and those behind its circulation, because it does not represent the true picture of what happened, I cannot ignore the concerns raised by well-meaning leaders, mentors, friends and colleagues over the childish attempt by some elements to make me a target of a smear campaign. For this and for record sake, I consider it important that I state my position as follows:
• I am neither in that video nor in any part of Ido-Ile Ekiti canvassing support for any opposition party prior to or during the State Assembly election as alleged.
• I cast my vote at my unit 002 and later left for Ikogosi-Ekiti to join my media colleagues (journalists and cameramen) to cover Mr Governor’s voting exercise.
• Linking me with the video and alleging that I moved from polling unit to another canvassing support for opposition party is a cheap blackmail and a veiled campaign of calumny targeted at the Government of Ekiti State which I work for. This is ridiculous and wicked.
• The political camp of a former commissioner in the state is responsible for the current smear campaign against my person, simply because I challenged his unjust and manipulative ways.
• My commitment to the growth and success of our party remains unwavering.
• I urge all well-meaning members of the public to kindly disregard the allegations.
• There is no denying the fact there were some unresolved issues between Okemesi and Ido Ile chapters of APC before the election, which were known to leaders of the party. It is on record that I and some other leaders of the party were at the forefront of resolving the issues.
Thank you.
Yinka Oyebode
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor