“There is a need to link Osun State to the centre” – Akpabio
President of the Senate, Godswill Obot Akpabio, has assured residents of Osun State that adequate security measures have been deployed to guarantee a peaceful, free and credible governorship election on Saturday.
Akpabio, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally in Osogbo, called on voters to come out en masse and exercise their constitutional rights without fear of intimidation.
He said voters remained free to choose candidates of their preference, but urged them to support the APC candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, whom he described as the right choice for the state.
“Feel very free to cast your votes for the candidate of your choice. My advice, however, is that you choose wisely because there is a need to link Osun State to the centre. We are waiting for Osun to join us,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President assured voters that no one would be allowed to harass or intimidate them at polling units, dismissing fears of possible molestation during the election.
According to him, any suggestion that voters would be attacked or prevented from exercising their franchise existed largely on social media and would not be tolerated at polling centres.
Akpabio expressed optimism about the APC’s chances, saying the large crowd at the campaign rally was evidence of the party’s increasing popularity and acceptance across the state.
He highlighted the presence of several prominent APC figures at the campaign, including former Osun State Governor and former Interim National Chairman of the party, Pa Bisi Akande; former National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore; Senator Fadahunsi and other party leaders.
He also pointed to support for Oyebamiji from opposition political figures, particularly former Osun Governor and PDP chieftain, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, as well as leaders of the Accord Party in the state.
Akpabio said the endorsements demonstrated a growing consensus among stakeholders that Osun required a fresh direction capable of accelerating development.
He challenged Oyebamiji, if elected, to make infrastructure development and the delivery of tangible dividends of democracy key priorities from the first day of his administration.
The Senate President urged residents to maintain peace throughout the electoral process, stressing that the election provided them with an opportunity to determine the future course of the state.
“The message to the people of Osun is clear: come out peacefully on Saturday, exercise your franchise and choose a future of greater development, stronger opportunities and closer alignment with the centre,” he said.
