The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the August 15 Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has urged residents not to sell their votes, describing the Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) as a powerful tool for choosing credible leadership.
Speaking during a meeting with leaders and members of the Ansar-u-Deen Society in Osogbo on Sunday, Oyebamiji appealed to the electorate to resist vote buying and instead support candidates with the capacity to govern effectively.
The former Osun State Commissioner for Finance said voters should use their PVCs responsibly to determine the state’s future, assuring residents that his administration would prioritise growth and development if elected governor.
According to him, his administration already has a well-defined roadmap contained in the APC’s manifesto, which would serve as the blueprint for governance.
“The PVC is an instrument that gives every citizen the right to decide who governs them for a specified period. I appeal to our people not to commercialise their votes but to use them wisely by electing someone with the competence and vision to lead the state properly.
“I assure you that once elected, we will immediately return Osun State to the path of growth and sustainable development. Our manifesto clearly outlines how we intend to move the state to greater heights among the states of the federation,” Oyebamiji said.
The APC candidate also appealed to religious leaders and residents to promote peace before, during and after the governorship election.
He stressed that no life should be lost because of politics, urging politicians and supporters across party lines to ensure a peaceful atmosphere that would enable voters to freely participate in the election.
“I urge religious leaders to continue praying for peace and to encourage our people to maintain harmony before and after the election. Nobody should be killed because of an election. Let there be peace so that everyone can come out to vote for the progress and development of Osun State,” he added.
Earlier, the Secretary of the Ansar-u-Deen Society in Osun State, Hafiz Akande, described Oyebamiji as a humble and attentive leader, a devoted family man and a practising Muslim who conducts his affairs with the fear of Allah.
Akande maintained that although the society remains non-partisan, it would continue to encourage and support its members who seek public office.
“As a corporate body, the Ansar-u-Deen Society remains non-partisan. However, we will never reject or abandon our members who show genuine interest in public service. Leadership is a sacred trust (Amanah) from Allah, and no one attains it except by His divine will. We therefore encourage our members to pursue leadership with sincerity, competence and the welfare of society in mind,” he said.
Osun voters are expected to elect a new governor on August 15.
The incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, is seeking another term in office on the platform of the Accord party.
