Candidates in the Osun governorship election have expressed confidence in their chances while outlining their plans for the state if elected on Saturday.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, African Democratic Congress, ADC, candidate Dr Najeem Salaam and African Action Congress, AAC, candidate Olajide Esan spoke during an Arise Townhall Meeting in Osogbo. The candidates were questioned by a panel comprising media professionals including Dr Rueben Abati, Dr Lasisi Olagunju, Dr Festus Adedayo and Adesuwa Omoruan.
Adeleke said he was not intimidated by the reported support of the Federal Government and some APC governors for his opponent. Describing himself as a “bulldozer,” the governor said the backing would not determine the outcome of the Osun governorship election.
“I am a bulldozer. I am talk and do. I am not afraid of federal might and governors backing the APC candidate,” he said.
Adeleke pointed to his administration’s infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture and security interventions as evidence of its performance. He said about 350 kilometres of roads had been constructed, with another 160 kilometres under construction. The governor also said about 200 health centres had been rehabilitated and equipped, while 31 tractors had been purchased to support farmers.
He disclosed that more than 1,500 Amotekun personnel had also been recruited and trained. Adeleke urged voters to remain peaceful, protect their votes and follow the results from polling units through the collation process.
He also dismissed allegations that his administration had militarised the state and rejected claims that development projects were concentrated in his hometown, Ede. Asked whether he would congratulate his opponent if defeated, Adeleke said he was confident he would not lose the election.
The APC candidate, Oyebamiji, dismissed claims that federal influence would determine the election. He said his administration would focus on security, agriculture, education, healthcare and human capital development.
“We want to banish hunger and poverty. I want to invest seriously in agriculture, education, and health,” he said.
Oyebamiji claimed his consultations across the state had convinced him that residents were ready for a change. He also questioned how the state had utilised about N650 billion in federal allocations received under Adeleke, alleging that the resources had not translated into sufficient development.
The ADC candidate, Najeem Salaam, said his experience in governance and academic background prepared him to lead Osun. He promised a people-centred administration focused on accountability and development. Salaam also pledged to tackle political violence and thuggery, arguing that residents were tired of insecurity and conflict. He said his 10-point agenda contained realistic policies aimed at improving the state.
AAC candidate Olajide Esan promised to “give governance back to the people.” He proposed an Osun Residents Database to help government understand residents’ needs and plan services more effectively. Esan also proposed a financial dashboard that would enable citizens to monitor government expenditure.
He argued that greater transparency would strengthen accountability and make public office less attractive to politicians seeking personal gain. With the Osun governorship election scheduled for August 15, the candidates urged voters to consider their respective records, policies and visions before casting their ballots.
