The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming Osun State governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has dismissed suggestions that his party plans to rely on federal influence to secure victory in the poll.
Oyebamiji made the remarks on Thursday in Osogbo, the state capital, during a Ramadan lecture organised by the Concerned Muslim Stakeholders and the League of Alfas in Osun State.
Addressing participants at the event, the APC flagbearer said the party was focused on grassroots mobilisation and consultations across the state rather than depending on what is often described in Nigerian politics as “federal might.”
According to him, extensive consultations were undertaken across the state before he emerged as the APC candidate, involving traditional rulers, community leaders, and other key stakeholders in all the 30 local government areas and the area office.
“There is no way we can rely on federal might,” Oyebamiji said. “Don’t forget we have done consultations throughout the 30 local governments and the area office of the state. We have consulted all the traditional rulers in the state and engaged with men and women across communities.”
He added that the party would continue to intensify its grassroots engagement until it secures the opportunity to lead the state.
“We are working and will continue to work hard until we have the opportunity to be the governor of Osun State. There is nothing like federal might. We have to do our work and present ourselves properly in character and behaviour to men, women and every citizen of Osun,” he stated.
Oyebamiji also urged eligible residents of the state to obtain their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVCs), stressing that the electoral process remained the most effective means for citizens to shape the political direction of the state.
He appealed to voters to visit the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offices close to their wards to collect their PVCs ahead of the election.
“That is the only thing that can liberate us. I strongly appeal to everyone to go to their wards and collect their PVCs because it is the only instrument that can take the current government out of office,” he said.
Earlier in his lecture, the guest speaker, Prof. Kamaldeen Busari, praised Oyebamiji’s commitment to Islam and described him as a sincere adherent of the faith.
Busari also expressed confidence in Oyebamiji’s chances in the forthcoming election, declaring that it was his turn to lead the state.
“This is our incoming governor. Just as President Bola Tinubu asserted before his election that it was his turn to become president, I can say categorically that it is the turn of AMBO to be the governor of this state,” the lecturer said.
Osun voters are scheduled to go to the polls on August 15 to elect a governor.
Oyebamiji, who is running on the platform of the APC, will face the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, who is seeking re-election.
Adeleke is contesting under the platform of the Accord Party, while INEC has cleared 12 other political parties and their candidates to participate in the election.
