The Imole Campaign Council (TICC), the campaign organisation of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, has alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is promoting violence ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The campaign council accused the opposition of relying on violence instead of campaigning to the people.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbe, the campaign council said the growing number of alleged defections from the APC reflected the level of support Governor Adeleke enjoys across the state.
According to the statement, the governor’s popularity is rooted in what it described as his administration’s performance, insisting that the electorate would freely decide the outcome of the forthcoming election.
“The reality in Osun today is that Governor Adeleke is the choice of the people. While the people are openly aligning with his re-election bid, the Osun APC is busy promoting violence and terrorising the people,” the statement read.
The council maintained that political support should be earned through persuasion rather than intimidation, alleging that attempts to coerce voters had no place in a democratic society.
It argued that if residents were rejecting the APC, it was because of what it described as the party’s past record in government, urging the opposition to reflect on its previous administration instead of resorting to what it called threats and violence.
TICC further alleged that no amount of intimidation would diminish the support being enjoyed by Governor Adeleke, adding that many residents wanted his administration to continue beyond its current tenure.
The campaign organisation also expressed appreciation to Osun residents for their support and resilience, urging them to remain peaceful and participate actively in the August 15 governorship election.
“We expect the APC to reflect on its past misdeed, show remorse and apologise to the people. Thinking it can Lord itself on the people through violence has no place in a democracy, and we strongly reject this armstrong tactics that try to usurp the power of the people to make their choice freely.
“The support for Governor Adeleke is rooted in performance and no amount of violence or threat will dissuade it. Across Osun, the people appreciate what Governor Adeleke has done so far and want the good work to continue.
“We appreciate the overwhelming confidence of the people, which has now extended to APC members, who are now daily joining the movement to sustain the progress Osun is witnessing under Governor Adeleke.
“Our campaign sincerely appreciate Osun people for their courage and support so far, and enjoin them to remain strong and refuse to surrender to violence. Governor Adeleke has shown that government can actually work for the people and they must come out in large number to cast their ballots to ensure that the good work extend into another four years.”
It called on eligible voters to turn out in large numbers to cast their ballots, expressing confidence that Governor Adeleke would secure another four-year term in office.