Newly reelected Governor of Osun state, Ademola Adeleke, has countered remarks by national publicity secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Bolaji Abdullahi, that the party cooperated with Accord to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the governorship election.
Recall that Adeleke defeated Bola Oyebamiji, the APC candidate, and Najeem Salaam, the ADC flagbearer, in the keenly contested election on August 15.
The incumbent governor and candidate of Accord polled 511,067 votes to defeat his closest rival, Oyebamiji of the APC, who secured 444,815 votes, while Salaam of the ADC garnered 17,180 votes.
The governor clinched 19 LGAs, while Oyebamiji, the APC candidate won the remaining 11.
Speaking on Monday during an interview on Trust TV, Abdullahi said the ADC collaborated with Accord to secure Adeleke’s re-election and hand the APC a bitter defeat.
He said the ADC had anticipated thaat opposition votes would be divided, creating an opportunity for the APC to emerge victorious.
“We saw the possibility of collaboration. We saw the possibility earlier enough that if we decided to go full throttle, the possibility that the opposition would divide the votes and the APC would take the victory was there,” Abdullahi said.
“And that was why we saw the opportunity to work together, and that was what happened.”
But in a tweet on Tuesday Adeleke dismissed the claim.
While crediting God and the people of Osun for his re-election, Adeleke said the ADC was never part of the “rainbow coalition” that canvassed and supported his bid in last Saturday’s election.
He commended his political partners who sacrificed to make the aspirations of Osun people a reality.
“I had no electoral deal or partnership with the ADC before, during, or after the governorship election,” the governor wrote on X.
“The credit for our victory goes to God Almighty and the good people of Osun State for their overwhelming support and re-election.
“For the sake of history, it is important to clarify that the ADC was never part of the rainbow coalition that canvassed, mobilised, and supported our campaign in the battle leading to last Saturday’s election.
“I commend all our political partners who sacrificed, worked tirelessly, and went all out to make Saturday a victory day for all Osun people. Their commitment and support were instrumental to our success.
“Now that the election is over, I remain the Governor of all Osun people, irrespective of political affiliation, religion, or tribe. My commitment is to unite our people and continue working for the progress and prosperity of Osun State.”