The rally however attracted the leaders of the party as well as a healthy turn out of members, supporters and party faithfuls in the state.
Speaking on his efforts in tackling corruption in the country, President Jonathan said his administration had jailed a lot of offenders and law-breakers, adding that such is not the only solution, but would remain committed to using technology to battle corruption in Nigeria.
While informing those who would be voting for the first time, he advised them to be wary of misinformation from different political parties' supporters. He said: "To those voting for the first time, people will come to deceive you about things they will do and things dey will not do but I can assure you on the things we can achieve because the records speak for itself. Every Nigerian child must have the Goodluck opportunity".
Highlighting some of his achievements on infrastructural development within the state capital, Ibadan, President Jonathan reveals: "We have spent over 10billion on infrastructural development in Oyo State alone. The need to go abroad for heart surgery is reduced now because we have re-equipped the Ibadan University. Now, you do not have to go abroad for normal heart surgery but to the University of Ibadan Teaching Hospital".
Adding further on improvement on agriculture sector, he noted that his tenure has tripled the quality of cocoa production by leaps and bounds in the state, admitting that "this is the only government that has shown great support to Agriculture since the time of Late Obafemi Awolowo".
Reacting on the rate of unemployment in the country, he said: "When we start creating 2million jobs in a year, unemployment will reduce".
While revisiting the issue of the Opposition seeming to want to send the women back to the Dark Ages, he pointed out that there is a need to empower women no matter the circumstance. He said: "We must encourage women because the southwest has produced great women. The offices of the women are helping to mobilise our women and empower them. So, we cannot overlook it".
He however urged the people of the state to continue the amazing relationship they have with him, saying now is the time he needed them the most. "I was here in 2011 for your support, and I am here once again, lets do this together to get to our promised land".
Also at the event, the National Chairman of the party, Adamu Mu'azu, successfully presented the party flag to the gubernatorial aspirant in the state, Senator Teslim Folarin, describing him as "young and vibrant", explaining to the crowd that "When the APC comes to ask for your vote, ask them what they did when they were in power. They don't belong to the 21st century, We want an educated president. Our president is a very young, aware and highly educated candidate for the position".
Mu'azu, while emphasising the closeness of the presidency to the state, however appealed to the people to appreciate the President's special link to Oyo State, explaining that he carried out his year of NYSC service, so did the Vice President Namadi Sambo.
Amongst those who were at the party's rally were: Dr Olusegun Mimiko; Senator Lekan Balogun; Ahmad Alli and others.
By Mayowa Okekale.
