Osun poll: I had no deal with ADC, says Adeleke
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed claims allegedly from the African Democratic Congress that the party helped him to win last Saturday’s governorship re-election.
Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, declared that he had no electoral deal or partnership with the ADC before, during and after the governorship election.
The governor, however, credited God and the Osun people for his re-election win, saying the ADC was never part of the rainbow coalition that canvassed and supported his battle for last Saturday’s election.
He commended political partners who sacrificed to make his re-election a reality.
The statement read further, “Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied reports from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that it helped the Osun governor to win re-election, declaring that he had no electoral deal or partnership with the ADC before, during and after the governorship election.
“Governor Adeleke, who again credited God and Osun people for his re-election win, said ADC was never part of the rainbow coalition that canvassed and supported his battle for last Saturday’s election, commending political partners who sacrificed to make the aspirations of Osun people a reality.”
Quoting the governor, the statement further read, “I commend political partners who went all out to make Saturday a victory day for all Osun people. But we must clarify for the sake of history that ADC was never part of the alliance.
“Now that the election is over, I am a governor of all Osun people irrespective of political groups, religion or race.”
Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Dr Najeem Salaam, has commended members of the party for the courage they displayed during the journey that climaxed with the governorship poll.
Salaam, in a statement he personally signed and obtained by The PUNCH on Tuesday, also lauded the support of ex-governor Rauf Aregbesola and the Osun people, saying that despite the outcome of the poll, his love for the state and commitment to its development will continue.
The statement read, “I sincerely appreciate every one of you for your courage, steadfastness and unwavering belief throughout this journey. Against all odds, we walked, we talked, and we stood together. We did so not merely for political power, but because we genuinely believe in the development, progress and future of Osun State.
“To the good people of Osun State, I deeply appreciate you for coming out to exercise your democratic right. I thank you for listening to our message, engaging with us and giving us the opportunity to present our vision for a better Osun. Your voices and choices must always be respected, because democracy ultimately belongs to the people.
“I also express my profound gratitude to our leader, @raufaregbesola, a great political strategist, mobiliser and courageous leader whose experience, wisdom and commitment added immense strength to our journey. His presence reminded us that politics can be about ideas, service and the people.”
Adeleke was returned elected by the State Returning Officer of the Independent National Electoral Commission on Sunday, Prof Joshua Ogunwole.
Adeleke won the governorship poll with a total of 511,067, to defeat Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress who polled 444, 815 votes.
Credit — Punch
