Osun poll: APC chieftain warns against violence, sell-out
A member of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress, Tolu Bankole, has urged party members and supporters in Osun State to ensure the victory of the party’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, while warning against violence, division and compromise ahead of Saturday’s election.
Bankole, who is also the APC National Leader for Persons with Disabilities, made the call in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday.
The appeal came amid heightened security preparations in the state, with thousands of personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Army and other agencies deployed across Osun ahead of the governorship poll.
The Independent National Electoral Commission is expected to conduct the election on Saturday, with Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, and other candidates contesting for the governorship seat.
However, Bankole called on APC members, leaders and supporters to rally behind Oyebamiji, describing him as the party’s “clear choice”.
He said, “As we approach Saturday, I call on all party members, leaders, and supporters across Osun State to rally round him and ensure his victory on Saturday. This is the time for total commitment, total mobilisation, and total unity.
“The All Progressives Congress at the national level is totally committed to ensuring the victory of AMBO, our candidate in this election. No compromise, no sell-out, APC or nothing!
“Let me be clear: No blackmail, gang-up, or intimidation can stop him from becoming the next governor of Osun State. The people have made up their minds, and they are ready to vote for competence, continuity, and a brighter future.”
Bankole also cautioned party members against resorting to violence, stressing the need for a peaceful electoral process.
“This is a contest we must win, and we will win it. “Victory is sure; the gold medal is closer to us, let’s bring it home now.”
“This is not just any election. This election is a must-win professionally. We must do it the right way. No violence, no war. I urge our members to conduct themselves peacefully, protect their votes, and work with security agencies to ensure a free, fair and credible process,” he said.
The APC chieftain also appealed to party leaders and stakeholders to close ranks and avoid divisions that could undermine the party’s chances at the poll.
“In this final push, all stakeholders must close ranks and work together with no story, no excuse.” Division at this point is a luxury we cannot afford. Every ward, every local government, every leader has a role to play,” he said.
Bankole further assured the party’s supporters of the APC national leadership’s commitment to Oyebamiji’s candidacy.
Bankole’s call came as security agencies intensified operations across Osun State ahead of Saturday’s election.
Barely 48 hours to the poll, soldiers, conventional policemen, Police Mobile Force personnel, NSCDC operatives and officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission were deployed to major roads, streets and strategic locations across the state.
No fewer than 25,310 security personnel have reportedly been deployed across the state, comprising 15,000 police personnel, 10,210 NSCDC operatives and about 100 EFCC officers.
The deployment followed heightened preparations by the authorities to prevent violence, intimidation, disruption of voting and other forms of electoral malpractice.
Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis
The PUNCH journalist, Adebayo, has over 20 years of experience covering politics, health, metro, entertainment and properties
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