Dare Babalola
The Adeleke Campaign Organisation on Tuesday outlined three key principles that will shape its approach ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
The organisation also criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) for what it described as a resort to “gutter language” and personal attacks.
In a statement issued in Osogbo, the campaign group said it would maintain a clean, issue-based campaign and refuse to engage in verbal mudslinging with political opponents.
The organisation accused APC leaders of abandoning constructive engagement, alleging that their recent comments targeting Governor Ademola Adeleke reflect a lack of substantive ideas and policy direction.
“We have noticed a pattern of vulgar language emanating from the opposition APC. We will not swim in the mud with the pig. The recent verbal attacks confirm that Mr Bola Oyebamiji has lost the election before the day of ballot. We have however vowed to uphold the best ideals in our campaigns,” the statement read.
According to the group, the first principle of its campaign strategy is to remain focused on issues and achievements. It said its messaging would centre on the governor’s performance during his first term, as well as an updated five-point agenda for a second term in office.
“Subsequently, our campaign council has resolved to continue to be issue-based, centered on the achievements of our candidate in his first term in office and by marketing his new updated five-point agenda for second term administration. We pity the APC candidate who up till now is afraid to issue his campaign manifesto because of unanswered questions about his antecedents,” it stated.
The second principle, the organisation said, is a people-focused approach that prioritises the experiences and welfare of Osun residents. It noted that voters are now better positioned to assess governance based on their lived experiences over the years.
“Secondly, the Adeleke campaign organisation is determined to continue to focus on the people and residents of Osun State by highlighting their experience in state governance in the last eight years. We are shifting the attention to the people who have experienced both sides to judge and decide on August 15,” the statement added.
On the third principle, the group emphasised its commitment to electoral integrity, pledging to support all lawful efforts aimed at ensuring that votes are protected and that the will of the people prevails.
“Much more importantly, we are committed to defending, supporting and promoting the safety, supremacy and realisation of peoples will to be expressed on August 15. We are supporting protection of votes and voters within the context of law and the constitution across pre-election, election period and post-election spaces. All efforts to stop, arrest, expose and thwart electoral thieves and bandits will be fully supported by this campaign organisation,” it said.
The statement also conveyed a message from Governor Ademola Adeleke, who expressed confidence in his chances of re-election, assuring voters that their votes would count.
“Our opponents have conceded defeat by their failure to focus on issues instead of personal attacks. I assure you all that by God’s grace and your support, I will be re-elected to continue the good job we started in 2022. Your votes will count and by the evening of August 15, we shall all rejoice for the triumph of good over evil,” the governor was quoted as saying.
