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The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State on Tuesday flagged off its governorship campaign in the ancient city of Ile-Ife with the party assuring supporters of victory in the September 22 election.
Governor Rauf Aregbesola led the campaign train to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, to receive royal blessings for the party’s candidate, Alh. Gboyega Oyetola.
The governor also asked defectors to return now before their spaces are filled.
Aregbesola who addressed the mammoth crowd of party leaders, members and supporters, quoted the Bible and the Quran, and advised voters not to be intimidated, assuring that security would be reinforced on the election day to ensure that the electorate cast their votes in a peaceful atmosphere.
He said: “We are here today for two reasons – to seek Ooni’s blessings and seek the votes of Ife people.
“Ooni has blessed us. He pointed out that today, Tuesday signifies victory, meaning Oyetola will record victory. God is with us. He has given us the wisdom and strength to take Osun to the promised land.
“On the Election Day, Osun people will decide whether they want Osun to progress or regress. I know we will also vote for the progress of the state by way of continuity. So, use your voting power to elect Oyetola. 127,000 party members decided in his favour during the primary in July. It’s our responsibility to elect him as our candidate.
“We won’t fight with anyone but whoever attacks us will be in trouble. Let our women troop out in large number and perform their obligation. Never be intimidated. Security will be reinforced. God and the people are with us.
“Oyetola will build on the foundation we have laid. He will lead well. We have established it in 2014 that we are solidly on ground.
“Tell those who defected to return quickly because their spaces are still open. We always flag off our campaign in Ile-Ife, and on Tuesday. We have done that and received Ooni’s blessings. Oyetola is competent to sustain APC legacy. We are confident that he will surpass our achievements in the development of Osun State. He is much more reserved. He will definitely advance the fortune of our party. He will be a worthy successor.”
Apart from the party’s candidate, on the campaign train were the State Chairman of the party, Chief Gboyega Famoodun, Aregbesola’s s deputy, Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, and many others.
With king of Fuji music, Wasiu Ayinde, dishing thrilling tunes from the band stand, crowd, defying the occasional showers, gyrated in ecstasy all through the period.
Ile-Ife, which is a major town in Osun State, is the hometown of the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Sen. Iyiola Omisore.
The leaders took turns to address the crowd, highlighting the achievements of the APC administration. They urged them to vote for Oyetola for sustenance of the good works and stability of governance. The achievements highlighted include rebuilding of schools, construction of quality roads, free healthcare, security and urban renewal.
They urged their voters to shun violence and argument with opposition parties but cast their votes for the APC on September 22.