Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in Osun State has said the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari at the mega rally for the re-election of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, held at the Osogbo township stadium on Tuesday was a sign of his disapproval of any attempt to rig the election.
A statement signed by the PDP caretaker chairman in Osun State, Akindele Adekunle, and made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Tuesday evening, called on security agencies to take a cue from that and reject unlawful directive to rig Saturday’s poll.
“Buhari’s absence at the rally was a signal of his disapproval of any attempt to rig the governorship election as directed by the APC National Chairman, Adamu Abdullahi. We call on law enforcement agencies to resist unlawful orders and protect the democratic process.
“President Buhari now eyeing his own legacy clearly snubbed the Osogbo rally. It is now left to security chiefs to know that aiding and abetting rigging are not only criminal but also carry heavy repercussions afterwards.
“We particularly condemn Governor Oyetola for his assertion that he would not hand over power even before the election was held. We find the statement as anti-democracy and a declaration of war against the democratic process,” the statement read in part.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; his running mate, Kashim Shettima; former APC national chairman, Adams Oshiomhole; APC National Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu attended the mega rally in Osogbo, on Tuesday.
Some governors in attendance include Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo); Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi); Nasir el-Rufai (Kaduna); Abdulrahman Abdulrasak (Kwara); Hope Uzodinma (Imo); Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano); Babajide Sanwo-Olu ( Lagos); and Prof. Babagana Zulum (Borno).
Tinubu, who represented Buhari, urged the electorate to come out in large number and vote for Oyetola for continuity of good governance in Osun State.
“Go out with your PVCs and vote massively for APC and Governor Oyetola on Saturday. Think about your children and vote for Oyetola for a better future for them.
“You must all go out in large crowd on Saturday to re-elect Governor Oyetola. Don’t be deceived by PDP and other mushrooms parties. We must vote and defeat them,” he said.
