OSUN GUBER: SDP, ADP, ADC set the records straight

The Social Democratic Party, SDP, African Democratic Party, ADP and the African Democratic Congress, ADC, have denied reports that they have formed an alliance for Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.

The candidates of the ADP, Moshood Adeoti and that of the SDP, Fatai Akinbade also denied stepping down for Iyiola Omisore, the candidate of the SDP.

Denials of the alliance were repeatedly aired on radio stations in the state.

Speaking on the report, Omisore, who spoke on behalf of Adeoti and Akinbade, said nobody stepped down for him, adding that all they did as leading opposition parties in the state was an alliance for a credible election.

Omisore also accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, of intimidating would-be voters at rallies.

Omisore said: “APC has been boasting that they will rig election. So, these three parties, in spite of the differences in their names and candidates, still believe that the election must be credible. That’s why we signed the protocol. It is incumbent on these other parties, being leading opposition parties in the state, to publicly ask the people of Osun State to be vigilant as they cast their votes to prevent malpractices. We just want sincerity, credibility and fairness at the poll.”

According to Omisore, each of the three parties would run its election by itself, adding however that there was need to encourage voters across the state not to be intimidated in any way because they are committed to free and fair election tomorrow.

Adeoti, while reacting to the report in a statement by his spokesman, Mr Kayode Agbaje, said he had no discussion with any other candidate about standing down, affirming that he remained a candidate in the election.

The statement reads: “The attention of the Moshood Adeoti Campaign Organisation (MACO) has been drawn to a rumour currently gaining ground in Osun State that our principal and governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, has withdrawn his participation from the race in favour of Senator Iyiola Omisore, the candidates of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).

“We wish to reiterate that at no time was our canadidate contacted for such and that the ADP and Alhaji Adeoti harbour no such plans.

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“We still stand resolutely behind our resolve to contest and by God’s grace win the election.”

The ADC candidate, Fatai Akinbade, also debunked the report that he had stepped down for Omisore.

His Medi aide said: “Akinbade is in the race for good. The people of Osun are itching to have him as their next governor. This they hope to translate come Saturday, September 22, through their worthy votes.

“Our main focus is the execution of the Sept. 22, 2018 election to success. The people of Osun State are rooting for the victory of Alhaji Fatai Akinbade and this will be proved by their massive votes on Saturday. You are requested to remain resolute and cast your votes for the ADC on Saturday.”

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