The Imole Campaign Council (TICC), the campaign organisation for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, says it is recording a steady influx of defectors from opposition political parties ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The council described the wave of defections as a sign of growing public support for Adeleke’s re-election bid, while accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC) of resorting to violence and intimidation in its electioneering activities.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the spokesperson for the council, Mr Pelumi Olajengbe, said more members of opposition parties had continued to join the Adeleke campaign movement because of what he described as the governor’s performance in office.
According to him, the increasing number of defectors reflects the mood of the electorate as the state prepares for the governorship poll.
“Democracy is a game of numbers, and the support Governor Ademola Adeleke is enjoying across Osun is a direct result of the achievements of his administration,” Olajengbe said.
He alleged that while many residents were voluntarily identifying with Adeleke’s re-election campaign, the APC was allegedly relying on violence and intimidation to gain political advantage.
Olajengbe maintained that political support should be earned through persuasion and good governance rather than coercion, adding that the opposition party was facing resistance from many residents because of its previous record in government.
He called on the APC to reflect on its past stewardship, show remorse and apologise to the people instead of, according to him, attempting to force its way back to power through violence.
The campaign spokesperson insisted that no amount of intimidation or threats would weaken the widespread support for Governor Adeleke, stressing that many residents wanted the administration’s programmes and policies to continue.
Olajengbe thanked the people of Osun for their support, saying the campaign council would continue to welcome members of opposition parties who choose to join the Adeleke movement.
He also appealed to residents to remain law-abiding, reject all forms of electoral violence and turn out peacefully to vote in the August 15 governorship election.
