>
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed fears that its chance of winning the Osun governorship election on Thursday is threatened by the last minute alloance between the All Progressves Congress (APC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Recall that the SDP and its candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, on Wednesday, declared support for APC saying that it was in the best interest of the state.
But the PDP has expressed confidence of winning election with or without Omisore.
The director of publicity for the Ademola Adeleke campaign organisation, Olawale Rasheed, who spoke with Premium Times in a telephone interview on Wednesday evening, said his party will still emerge victorious without the support of the SDP.
“Omisore was not with us when we won on Saturday” he said. “If not for manipulation, we would have won with over 5000 votes.We believe in the power of the voters. PDP will win because Ademola Adeleke is a popular liberation man. So, whether with the support of Omisore or not, victory is certain because we have started mobilisation since Sunday”.
After the first ballot conducted on Saturday, September 22, PDP candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke garnered 254,698 votes while Isiaka Oyetola, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), had 254,345 votes.
Deapite leading with just 353 votes, national vice chairman (southwest) of PDP, Eddy Olafeso, told newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday, that the party will come out with victory on Thursday.
His words: “For us, we are very confident that victory will be ours tomorrow. We already won anyway.
“PDP is not bothered because our people are resolute. And they are desirous in ensuring that the victory denied us on Saturday will eventually be ours.
“We have spoken to our people and we are certain that their experience from the current administration is enough for the need for a change that will bring development to the nation.”
Another PDP chieftain, Chief Femi Fani Kayode, has also reacted. In a tweet on Wednesday evening, the dormer Minister of Aviation said “Iyiola Omisore’s decision to support the APC in tomorrow’s rerun is shameful.”
According to him, “it is sad that he would seek to deny Ile-Ife the position of Dep. Gov simply for money.”
Fani Kayode also revealed: “He told me he would stand firm 2 days ago and he told our father Baba Ayo Adebanjo the same thing last night. I do not know what has turned his head but we shall forge ahead and by God’s grace Adeleke will win. There is no excuse or justification for joining or supporting those who treated our people like filth and slaves over the last 8 years and who rigged last saturdays election.”