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‘I’m the elected governor of Osun’, but like Abiola, my victory has been annulled— Adeleke

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OSUN: PDP’s Adeleke heads to court, but APC unimpressed

Ademola Adeleke, governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, has likened himself to the late Moshood Abiola, claiming that he is already duly elected by the people of the state but has had his mandate stolen like Abiola’s in the June 12, 1993 election.

Adeleke declared himself governor-elect.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had declared the election inconclusive, since the margin between the two leading candidates was less than the number of cancelled votes.

Adeleke had polled 254,699 votes ahead of Isiaka Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who had 254,345 votes, leaving a margin of 353.

The commission had announced that 3,498 votes were cancelled across seven polling units in four local government areas, and therefore fixed a rerun for Thursday.

But speaking in an interview with BBC News Yoruba Wednesday, Adeleke said the people of the state had been robbed, likening it to the annulled June 12,1993 election.

“The people of Osun state voted and they voted me as their governor; as I am speaking with you, I’m the elected governor of the state,” he said.

Read also: #Nademdeyrushus: Dirty things APC, PDP said about ‘beautiful bride’ Omisore

“They robbed us of our mandate and this is not the first time something like this would happen. The same thing happened during the June 12 election, the mandate was stolen too. Till date, there are still controversies over the annulled election.

“That is why the international community does not love us again; they said Nigerians are not trustworthy. What happened last Saturday has shown that we were cheated; now is the time for the people of Osun to sit up and we know that by the grace of God, we will get our mandate.

“The international community is watching us. It is shameful; if a governorship election is conducted in this manner, that means the same thing would be replicated during the forthcoming general election.”

Asked if there are plans to get support from governorship candidates of other parties, he replied that he believes he will be supported.

“The other governorship candidates have decided to work with me to make Osun state a better place, to make it progressive. I know they are good people and I believe they will support me,” he said.

 

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