0
0
Osun in National Spotlight Ahead of 2027, Adeleke Insists Votes Must Count
0
0
By Waliu Adetokun,Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke on Monday stressed the need for credible elections in Nigeria, warning that the integrity of the democratic process must be protected as Osun prepares for its next governorship election.
The governor said the forthcoming poll in the state would attract national and international attention as one of the key elections ahead of the 2027 Nigerian general elections, urging stakeholders to ensure that the will of the people prevails.
Adeleke made the remarks in Osogbo while receiving members of the House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee, led by the lawmaker representing Ede/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency, Bamidele Salam, during a courtesy visit to the Government House.
“Credible elections are not optional but compulsory if our democracy must survive. The best way to protect the democratic system is to allow votes to count and ensure the supremacy of the people’s will,” the governor said.
According to him, the Osun governorship election scheduled for August 15 would be a critical moment for Nigeria’s democratic process.
“For us in Osun State, August 15 is a critical phase for national democratic evolution. As the last major election before the 2027 general elections, Osun will be in the eyes of the nation and the world. We must therefore get it right by ensuring free and fair polls,” he added.
Adeleke said he remained committed to democratic principles and would always respect the will of the people.
“As a democrat, I am ready to submit myself to the will of the people. I have served them since 2022 and I will soon return to them to seek their support for a second term,” he said.
The governor also used the occasion to commend Salam for his performance at the National Assembly, particularly his leadership of the Public Accounts Committee.
He described the lawmaker as a committed representative who had distinguished himself through effective oversight and constituency development projects.
“I particularly salute my brother, Hon. Bamidele Salam, the chairman of this committee and the performing lawmaker representing my federal constituency,” Adeleke said.
The governor further highlighted achievements of his administration across key sectors including infrastructure, health, education, agriculture and economic development.
He said the government had completed several abandoned projects and initiated new ones while also addressing inherited financial obligations, including unpaid half salaries and pension arrears.
Adeleke added that the administration’s local content policy had helped stimulate economic activities in the state by prioritising local contractors, suppliers and labour.
Also speaking while feeding the questions from journalist, the deputy chairman of the committee and member representing Akwanga/Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba Federal Constituency of Nasarawa State, Jeremiah Umaru, said the lawmakers were in the South-West for a five day strategic training and oversight programme.
Umaru explained that the exercise was aimed at strengthening the capacity of members of the committee to effectively discharge their oversight responsibilities.
He said the committee had already held similar engagements in Lagos, Ekiti and Ondo states before arriving in Osun.
According to him, the visit to the governor was also to formally notify the state government of the committee’s presence and to appreciate the efforts of the Adeleke administration in delivering development projects across the state.
Click to Join Our WhatsApp Group
Click to Join Our WhatsApp Channel
