Date: 2018-01-09

Ahead of 2019 general elections, a practising accountant, Mallam Mustapha Olarewaju Babareke, yesterday declared his interest to contest Asa/Ilorin West Federal Constituency seat in the polls.

Babareke, who hails from Ubandawaki Ward of Ilorin West Local Government Area of Kwara State, is joining the race on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

He spoke to Journalists yesterday at a special prayer session led by Imam Alaaya and held at his Onireke family compound in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital.

Babareke disclosed that he had conducted preliminary consultations with stakeholders in his community and ward, saying they were something to be cheered about.

Prior to his political ambition, the aspirant said he established Olamus Foundation through which he rendered assistance to people of Ilorin West and Asa in terms of cash empowerment, scholarship to students and medical mission.

He disclosed further that his foundation also embarked mental capacity development for youths in his community towards a better living and getting them out of the unemployment syndrome.

The practising accountant, who also dissected the performance of the APC led government, said the party has done well in the areas of security and anti-corruption and local content development, which he added, had encouraged production of locally made goods.

He added that the encouragement accorded local products had resulted to saving from importation of goods and also brought about relief from pressure on foreign exchange.

"Why we are here today is to commit the journey and the ambition we are aspiring to go for, House Representatives comprising Asa and Ilorin West Local Government Areas to the Almighty God to guide and direct our affairs after series of consultations in that direction.

"We have done what I would regard as preliminary consultations and the feedback of which we would further analyse to see how best we can go into the race. But we have done consultations tremendously", he said.

When asked if he stood better chance when the ticket is thrown open, Babareke said, "By that time, everybody will showcase his strength and try to work on his weaknesses to be the bride of the electorate. But there is no basis for comparison. The present occupant is a person with his own personality and achievements.

"I am a different personality with my own antecedents and result. So, no basis for comparison. What I know is people, the electorate are there to decide and even the party structure".

He, however, noted that irrespective of criticism of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the APC still stands a better chance to win the forthcoming general elections convincingly, saying the opposition would be surprised that Nigerians love the ruling party.

Babareke applauded the leadership quality of the President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, in piloting the affairs of the APC in the state.

Speaking with reporters at the prayer, the APC Chairman, Ubandawaki Ward, Alhaji Mohammed Nuhu Alagbade, said the ward was fully in support of his ambition, describing him as a responsible member of the party in the ward.