By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has debunked reports that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) had entered into an electoral agreement with him to secure his re-election in the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, on Tuesday, he said there was no electoral deal, partnership or alliance between his administration and the ADC before, during or after the election.
The governor also dismissed claims that the ADC was part of the political coalition that mobilised support for his re-election, saying his victory was made possible by God and the people of Osun State.
Adeleke, while appreciating political allies and supporters who worked for his victory, specifically clarified that the ADC was not part of the alliance that campaigned for his re-election.
“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,” he said.
The clarification followed claims by some members of the ADC that the party contributed to Adeleke’s victory in the election.
The governor, however, maintained that he had no formal or informal electoral arrangement with the party.
Adeleke again attributed his victory to God and the electorate, saying the people of Osun State ultimately determined the outcome of the election through their votes.
He also commended political partners who, according to him, sacrificed their time and resources towards ensuring the success of his re-election bid.
The governor said the election was now over and called on all residents to put political differences behind them and work together for the development of the state.
“Now that the election is over, I am a governor of all Osun people irrespective of political groups, religion or race,” Adeleke was quoted as saying.
He stressed that his administration would continue to govern inclusively and ensure that all citizens benefited from government programmes and policies irrespective of their political affiliations.
The governor’s statement is coming three days after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him winner of the August 15 governorship election.
Adeleke defeated his closest challenger, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, to secure a second term in office.
He is expected to use the renewed mandate to consolidate the programmes and projects of his first administration while pursuing fresh initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, youth development, the economy and the general welfare of Osun residents.
The governor therefore urged political stakeholders and citizens to unite after the election and focus on the development of the state.
He reiterated his appreciation to the people of Osun for entrusting him with another term, assuring that the renewed mandate would be used to serve all residents without discrimination.
