The lawmaker representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Bamidele Salam, has expressed confidence that Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, will secure victory in the August 15 governorship election despite concerns over possible deployment of ‘federal might.’
Speaking in an interview with TheCable, Salam said Governor Adeleke remained popular among residents of the state due to what he described as his performance in office and widespread acceptance across Osun.
The federal lawmaker stated that several opinion polls, including those allegedly conducted by opposition elements, had shown that the governor enjoys strong support among the electorate.
Salam noted that although off-cycle elections in Nigeria are often associated with attempts to intimidate opposition parties, he insisted that such tactics would not succeed in Osun State.
According to him, the people of Osun are politically enlightened and determined to protect their votes during the governorship election.
He recalled the 2014 governorship election in the state when there were fears of federal interference, adding that residents still stood their ground to ensure that votes counted.
The lawmaker maintained that any attempt to manipulate the election or suppress voters would be resisted by the people.
He said, “Now, when you talk about the concentration of federal forces, I understand what you mean, and I know that there are precedents to the effect. In an off-cycle election, there are usually attempts to manipulate and muzzle the opposition. But I want to assure you that in Osun state, even if there are plans to muzzle the Accord or to play us out of a fair contest, it will not work because we are also on top of the game. We are well prepared.
“The people of Osun are also very enlightened. In 2014, when Aregbesola contested against the PDP candidate, it was perceived that federal might would be deployed. But the people stood their ground to make sure that they not only voted, but ensured their votes counted.
“The same thing will happen in Osun state. The people of Osun will make sure that they not only vote but that their votes are counted, and that any attempt to rig the election, oppress the people, or subject the process to unfair interference will be resisted. So, I am confident that we will win the election, and all these fears about the federal might coming from somewhere to influence the election will eventually be seen to have fizzled out.”
Salam also spoke on the strength of the Accord Party in Osun State following the defection of Governor Adeleke and members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) into the party.
He explained that the political structure of the PDP in the state was effectively moved into the Accord Party after the crisis within the PDP became unresolved.
According to him, the popularity of Governor Adeleke has also strengthened the acceptance of the Accord Party across the state.
The lawmaker described the Accord Party as the leading and most influential political party in Osun State, with strong grassroots presence across wards, polling units and local government areas.
