Osun Governorship Debate: Adeleke Expresses Confidence in Re-election Bid
Introduction The tension shifted briefly from the rally grounds to the town hall. Amid the campaigns, fireworks, gimmicks, spin and verbal attacks, the three leading candidates in the Osun...
Introduction
The tension shifted briefly from the rally grounds to the town hall. Amid the campaigns, fireworks, gimmicks, spin and verbal attacks, the three leading candidates in the Osun governorship election made time for a debate to present their programmes and manifestos to the state’s 2.3 million registered voters.
Organised by Arise News Television in conjunction with members of the Nigerian Tribune editorial board, the debate opened with Mr Akin Osuntokun, Director of Politics at Arise News, introducing the main anchors. Dr Reuben Abati served as the lead moderator, with Adesua Omoruan as support. The panellists included Dr Lasisi Olagunju, editor of Saturday Tribune; Mrs Ajiboye of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC); and Dr Festus Adedayo, a member of the Nigerian Tribune editorial board.
Governor Ademola Adeleke was the first candidate interviewed. Below are excerpts from his one-hour town hall session, during which he answered questions.
On His 5-point Agenda and why the Osun people should vote for him again.
I contested in 2018; I was cheated, so I left and went to America to complete my education. I came back seeking the position in 2022, and I contested to defeat the incumbent governor, Oyetola. Many people who come to Osun State now will miss their way because of our infrastructure and bridges. We have dualised all the major cities.
In education, we were in 33rd position in the WAEC and NECO, but we are now in 7th position. In agriculture, there were no materials for farmers when we came in, so we bought 30 tractors and seedlings for them. On health, our people were dying; I am not a sitting Governor, and I went round. Oyetola got about $20 million for the sector, but there was nothing to show for it. We have fixed 200 health centres and installed solar lights; the places now look like America. And I promised you that Osun State money will stay in the state, and the effect of the revenue is trickling down. We have built roads, solar lights and streetlights. Our people doing business now stay late to do their work. Thank you, my people. More goodies are coming on the way.
On Sub-standard Roads
The APC people are full of propaganda. Why should I construct substandard roads? I use international and local Engineers. What have they done? At least do something and let people criticise you for it. In Ile-Ife yesterday, I saw people praising me.
Description of Your Tenure of Years of Music and Dance
They are jealous of me because they cannot dance in the first place. Nobody will stop me from dancing. I’m dancing, and I’m working. Dancing is a hobby.
On Security and peace in the State
Adeleke described himself as a security expert, having studied criminology. When I was in the Senate, I sponsored a bill on State police that got up to second reading. I met Amotekun, which is the local security outfit, but it had nothing much to show. We have engaged the services of experts to retrain the Amotekun personnel and given them tools to work.
On the Destruction of Billboards and Huge Presence of Military, Police Presence in Osun State
Governor Adeleke threw the question back at the interviewer: Whose billboards did you see being destroyed? The interviewer said it was Adeleke’s. The Governor then said his supporters will not be destroying his billboards. He said he is less bothered because “the more they hurt us, the more they help us. I did not militarise the State; I am not the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, or the Inspector General of Police, or the Army Chief. Maybe based on what they have seen and what they perceive, they decided to increase the security in the State.
On His Switching of Political Parties
The Governor said it was never his intention to leave the APC. But the APC plunged the party into an internal crisis. The APC people destroyed the PDP. If there was a room for independent candidacy, I would have taken that route, but the option was not available, and he ported to the “Accord Party accordingly”. He said he was the last man standing in the PDP before moving.
On His Relationship with President Tinubu
For the President to call me. I appreciate that, and he spoke to me nicely. In terms of Federal might, Oyetola is a cousin to the President. He was the one who asked the EFCC to freeze our account. I told the President that he fought for democracy in this country, and he should not allow it to go down. It is Oyetola that is feeling the pain of defeat that is dropping the President’s name. He has forgotten that politics is local. My people are with me.
When reminded that Alhaji Oyetola is not on the ballot. Governor Adeleke said: “Leave that one. He is the one working behind the scenes. He wanted to be on the ballot until he was told that he could not defeat Adeleke. He is very selfish.
On Being the Only Accord Party Governor Against 30 APC Governors
Governor Adeleke described himself as a bulldozer. They do not call me Jackie Jackson for nothing. Some of the governors coming are my friends. They are coming to Osun State for fanfare.
On Former Governor Oyetola
He is jealous of me and the Adeleke family. My late brother, Serubawon, brought him into politics after he retired from the military. He did not support me in 2018 or 2022, yet I defeated him everywhere — in his local government, ward and polling unit. He is always using Yoruba proverbs, but is that what we need? Is that what people want to eat? He once told me he had no car, and I gave him one. It is even better that he is not with me. He is a political lightweight, and he is jealous of me.
On Fear of the Federal Might
Asked whether he believed the votes would count, the Governor said the question should be directed to INEC and the security agencies. He urged voters to make a one-day sacrifice by waiting after voting, monitoring the counting process and following their votes to the collation centres. He added that the INEC Chairman had promised a free and fair election and that Nigerians would hold the commission accountable for whatever happens.
When told that he had focused more on his opponents than on his own programme, and when asked about the poor condition of roads leading into Ile-Ife, the Governor said the question was unfair because the road in question is a federal road. He added that his administration had constructed about eight federal roads but had not yet been reimbursed.
On State Police
The Governor said he supports the establishment of state police and respects the rule of law, adding that he would not abuse such powers.
On Vote Buying
Why would I buy voters? I don’t have money to buy votes. I don’t have money because they seized our money. Buying workers? The workers like me because I pay them their salaries on time. We are paying more than the minimum wage. I am concerned about workers’ welfare. We pay them palliative money from time to time.
On “Edenisation” of Osun State Government and the Osun Airport
Because I am the Governor, should I abandon my people? I have taken development to many towns and cities in Osun State. I cannot be fixing other towns and not my town. As for the airport, Ede has enough land. I invited experts to look for land that we can use for the airport; they went round the state, and that is where they found land. There is nothing I can do about that.
Closing Statement
I’m seeking this opportunity to thank you, the people of Osun State. I believe I have not disappointed you. Look at our activities and use that to decide your votes. I am assuring you that I will not lose this election
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