- Safiu Kehinde
The Imole Campaign Council, the support group of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has debunked the governor’s alleged link to a viral oath-taking video.
NPO Reported the circulation of a video showing a group of women taking oath of allegiance to support and vote for Adeleke before being award N10,000 cash each.
The clip had since sparked mixed reactions as well as the All Progressives Congress’ vote buying allegations against Adeleke whose name was mentioned in the video.
Reacting in a statement issued on Friday by its Media Committee Chairman, Bamidele Salam, the Imole Campaign Council described the allegation against Adeleke as laughable and a defeatist attempt.
Salam maintained that the governor has absolutely no connection whatsoever with any such activity.
The House of Representatives’ lawmaker representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency held that Adeleke does not need oath-taking to get votes in Osun.
‘The Council is presently examining the authenticity, source and circumstances surrounding the video in question.
‘However, it is important to state categorically that Governor Ademola Adeleke has neither authorised, participated in, directed nor endorsed the taking of any oath by anyone in relation to the August 15 governorship election or for any other political purpose.
‘Governor Adeleke is a democrat who believes fundamentally in the freedom of citizens to make their political choices according to their conscience.
‘He does not need oaths, threats, intimidation or any form of coercion to secure the support of the people of Osun State.’ He said.
While noting that Adeleke has enjoyed broad and demonstrable support across the state based on his record of performance and his personal connection with the people, Salam slammed the APC over the opposition party’s linking of Adeleke to the video.
‘The APC’s attempt to immediately attribute an unverified social media video to Governor Adeleke is therefore nothing but a hard-sell political manoeuvre by an opposition that is increasingly confronted with the reality of its rejection by the Osun electorate.
‘The APC’s attempt to convert an unverified video into a campaign issue also exposes the poverty of its campaign strategy.’ He said.
The council highlighted Adeleke’s achievements in Osun state, stressing that his campaign is based on his record and not an oath.
‘But let there be no ambiguity: Governor Ademola Adeleke does not require anybody to swear an oath before supporting him.
‘He does not require anyone to invoke a curse before voting for him. He does not require supernatural intervention to win an election. His strength is the people.
‘His campaign is based on his record. His mandate belongs to the electorate.’ The statement read further.
The Imole Campaign Council charged the APC to desist from looking for excuses in videos and prepare to face Osun people with their own record.
‘The people of Osun are not being asked to vote for Governor Adeleke because of any oath.
‘They are being asked to vote for him because they have seen the difference between a government that works for the people and an opposition that has offered little beyond fear, propaganda and empty accusations.
‘Governor Adeleke will face the people on August 15 with his record. Let the APC face the people with its own record.’ The statement added.