Osun: Why I Left PDP For Accord

Osun: Why I Left PDP For Accord – Adeleke
He accused police of bias and alleged arrests of Accord members.
The governor expressed confidence despite APC’s support from 34 governors.

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has explained that the prolonged crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party forced him to leave the party and join Accord ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

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Adeleke Dismisses APC Governors’ Advantage

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Adeleke spoke during the Arise TV town hall meeting for candidates contesting the election, where he said leaving the PDP was a difficult decision because of his strong attachment to the party.

“I left the PDP to join Accord because of the crisis in the PDP then. I love PDP so much, and it was difficult to leave,” he said.

The governor said he would have preferred to contest the election as an independent candidate if Nigerian electoral laws allowed it.

“I would have run as an independent candidate in this election if it were allowed in Nigeria,” Adeleke said.

Defending his record as governor, Adeleke said his administration had recorded achievements across infrastructure, healthcare, education and agriculture.

“Before talking about the next tenure, let me list what I have achieved so far: 350 kilometres of roads, three flyover bridges, six dualised roads, rehabilitation of over 200 primary healthcare centres, rehabilitation of 150 schools, the establishment of the University of Ilesa, the purchase of 31 new tractors, disbursement of almost ₦2 billion in cooperative funds, among many others,” he said.

Adeleke said the projects demonstrated the achievements of his administration since he assumed office.

The governor also raised concerns about the conduct of the Nigeria Police Force ahead of Saturday’s election, alleging that some officers had acted in a partisan manner.

“I’m not comfortable with the partisan posture of the police in particular. I have raised the alarm on several occasions. The police authorities seem to have turned a deaf ear,” he alleged.

According to Adeleke, several Accord members had been arrested during the build up to the election.

“On a daily basis, the police are arresting my members. Yesterday alone, four Accord leaders were again arrested,” Adeleke said.

He further claimed that seven members of his party had been killed, more than 20 injured and over 60 detained. The allegations were not independently verified.

Adeleke said he had brought the reports he received concerning the election to the attention of President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu.

He alleged that there were also reports suggesting possible police involvement in manipulating the election.

“I now have new reports even suggesting police direct involvement in rigging the election on Saturday. I have alerted Mr President and the Inspector-General of Police.

“The job of the police is to provide security, not to interfere in the electoral process. I am asking for a free and fair election. Nothing more.”

The governor urged residents and political supporters across Osun State to avoid violence and allow the election to take place peacefully.

Adeleke Dismisses APC Governors’ Advantage

The Accord candidate also dismissed concerns about contesting against the ruling party, which has 34 governors.

Adeleke said he was confident of his chances despite the numerical strength of the opposing party.

“I’m not worried that I’m contesting against a party that has 34 governors; I’m a bulldozer.

“If they like, they should bring all their governors; they are all my friends. They are not the ones to come and vote here; they can only support their party.”

The governor is seeking re election in the August 15 Osun governorship election as candidates intensify their campaigns ahead of the poll.