Osun Governor's Re-election Hailed as Victory for Democracy Amidst Allegations of Intimidation

Maxwell Mgbudem, National Chairman of the Accord Party, hailed Governor Ademola Adeleke's re-election in Osun State as a significant victory for democracy and the people. Addressing journalists in Osogbo, Mgbudem asserted that the electorate's votes clearly demonstrated their determination to freely choose their leaders, characterizing the election as a triumph of courage over intimidation.

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It was indeed the triumph of courage over fear and intimidation. The people have spoken loud and clear with their votes. They have, in one accord, renewed the mandate of their beloved Governor Adeleke.

Mgbudem praised Adeleke's administration, stating the people renewed his mandate based on performance and voted for continuity, compassion, and inclusive governance. However, he also alleged that the election period was marred by harassment, intimidation, and arrests, which created tension in the state. He further claimed that federal agencies, including the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), were allegedly used to suppress the party and its supporters.

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The achievements of Governor Adeleke are evident and the impacts of his transformative leadership are undeniable. The people identified with him and Accord in pursuit of a better, greater, brighter and prosperous Osun State.

The Accord chairman also pointed to the withholding of local government allocations as a factor affecting service delivery, suggesting it was an attempt to destabilize Adeleke's government and make Osun State ungovernable. Mgbudem emphasized the Accord Party's commitment to democratic processes, stating they prepared for an election, not a conflict, believing the ballot is stronger than the bullet. He attributed Adeleke's victory to the governor's achievements and transformative leadership, urging opposition parties to collaborate with the administration for the collective interest of Osun State. Mgbudem also called for the release of party members allegedly arrested during the election period and commended civil society and electoral stakeholders for upholding democratic values.

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It is well known that our great party, Accord, prepared for an election in its stronghold, not for a war, conscious of the fact that the ballot is stronger than the bullet.