The Maxwell Mgbudem-led Accord Party says it expects Governor Ademola Adeleke to secure another term in office when Osun residents vote in Saturday’s governorship election.
The party said its confidence was based on what it described as Adeleke’s performance and developmental achievements during his first term, insisting that voters in the state had shown support for his re-election.
Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria in a telephone interview on Thursday, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Joseph Omorogbe, said the election would be a major test of the people’s will and expressed confidence that their votes would determine the outcome.
Omorogbe said Accord was fully prepared for the poll, with members of its national leadership already in Osun to monitor the exercise.
“We are persuaded as a party that the victory is sure. The voice of the people will speak, and the votes of the people will count,” he said.
He maintained that the party was not concerned about political forces or machineries allegedly being deployed to influence the process, adding that no effort should be allowed to undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.
According to him, the contest goes beyond Adeleke as an individual, describing it instead as an election concerning the people of Osun and the opposition.
Omorogbe called on the Independent National Electoral Commission to conduct a free, fair and peaceful election and announce the results promptly. He said the party expected the electoral body and other relevant institutions to ensure that the process reflected the wishes of voters.
The Accord spokesman also warned against attempts to intimidate voters or disrupt the election, stressing that no political ambition should come at the expense of the lives of Osun residents.
He urged the police and other security agencies to remain neutral and operate strictly within the law. Omorogbe added that voters should be protected from any form of intimidation or electoral malpractice.
“Any foul play in the election will be resisted because the mandate and interest of the people is in Adeleke,” he said.
Omorogbe said party members had spent time in the state sampling public opinion and were convinced that a large number of residents wanted the governor returned for another four-year term.
He also appealed to eligible voters to remain calm, reject vote-buying and turn out in large numbers on Saturday.
The party urged residents to support Adeleke’s re-election, arguing that another term would allow him to consolidate and complete the development programmes initiated by his administration.
Omorogbe expressed optimism that, if the election was conducted peacefully and transparently, celebrations would begin across Osun on Sunday following what he believes will be Adeleke’s re-election.
