Oyo North Senatorial seat: Physically challenged candidate declares ambition

Worried by what he described as the neglect and plight of the physically challenged by political leaders, a physically challenged man, Bamikunle Tunde, has declared his ambition to contest the Oyo North Senatorial Seat on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Bamikunle, the founder of Baba 70 Foundation, a non-governmental farm project focused on creating a platform of mediation between farmers and herdsmen, as well as fighting the cause of people living with a disability within Oke-Ogun and its environs in Oyo State, declared his political ambition to the public in the place he considers his territory; the School for People with Special Needs, in Iseyin.

Speaking during the declaration, Bamikunle said the visit to the school was part of consultations with stakeholders to galvanise support for his aspiration to clinch the ticket of the PDP to be the party’s flag bearer in the 2023 elections as the member representing Oyo North at the National Assembly.

He said: “We have tried rich and able-bodied people to represent us at the State Assembly, Federal House of Representatives, and the Senate but they have largely disappointed us. It is time to make a paradigm shift; let us send a physically challenged person who is not a “money bag,” but a commoner, to represent us and see the difference. I promise to stand for the people, air their views, and always stand accountable to the people. I promise to serve you with the fear of God.”

Bamikunle disclosed that his aspiration to go to the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is not to gain wealth but to seek ways to improve the living condition of the masses through the instrumentality of the law. He disclosed that he had committed his meager resources to selfless services in the past and believed he would do more for the masses if allowed to serve on a giant pedestal.

He stated: “The peasant farmers, poor artisans, okada riders, students, civil servants, and the physically challenged persons are my primary constituents. I am one of you; I know your desires, aspirations, and challenges. Therefore, I will be a better representative because I understand your realities.”

Bamikunle, however, called on well-meaning individuals who desire to help the cause of the masses to join the train and support his ambition to create a platform to help his people by helping to make his mandate a reality, adding that, “while I know this is capital intensive, I believe that people who have a sincere love for the masses will join this train of emancipating the poor and downtrodden.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Iseyin South Local Council Development Area, Hon. Raheem Ajibola stated that Bamikunle had always been a pillar of support for the community of people living with disability and had always been committed to developing the people and the town, giving out of his meager resources to help the people.

Ajibola noted: “We are not in doubt that he is worthy to represent us because we all know what he stands for. He was encouraged to move his ambition because he knows the government in power in Oyo State is committed to the welfare of people living with a disability. It will allow them to explore their potentials.”

He disclosed that Bamikunle had donated solar lights, food items, and writing materials to the school at the declaration. As part of his love for the people had always ensured; he helped the cause of people living with a disability.