By Seun Ibiyemi
The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has appealed to residents of the state not to sell their votes, urging them instead to use their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) to elect credible leaders.
Oyebamiji made the appeal on Sunday during a meeting with the leadership and members of the Ansar-u-Deen Society in Osogbo, where he pledged to return the state to the path of growth and development if elected governor.
The former Osun State Commissioner for Finance described the PVC as a powerful democratic tool that should not be commercialised but used to elect leaders with the capacity to deliver good governance.
“The PVC is an instrument that confers on every eligible voter the right to decide who leads their affairs for a stipulated period. I am appealing to our people not to commercialise their PVC but to use it wisely to vote for someone who has the capacity and potential to lead appropriately,” Oyebamiji said.
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He assured the electorate that his administration would be guided by a well-articulated manifesto aimed at repositioning Osun State for sustainable growth and development.
“I am assuring you all that once you vote for me, we will immediately return the state to the path of growth and development. It is in our manifesto the way we will lead you and the state to enviable heights among the comity of states in the federation,” he added.
The APC candidate also called on religious leaders and residents to pray for peaceful elections and promote harmony before, during and after the poll.
He stressed that no life should be lost because of politics, urging politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully to enable voters exercise their civic responsibility without fear.
“I urge you, especially religious leaders, to continue to pray for peace and encourage our people to allow peace to reign before and after the election. Nobody should be killed for the sake of the election.
Our people, including politicians, should allow peace so that voters can freely go to the polling units and vote for the progress and development of Osun State,” he said.
Earlier, the Secretary of the Ansar-u-Deen Society in Osun State, Hafiz Akande, described Oyebamiji as a listening leader, a devoted family man and a practicing Muslim who demonstrates deep reverence for God.
Akande reiterated that although the society remains non-partisan, it would continue to support members who aspire to public office.
“Let me state clearly that as a corporate body, the Ansar-u-Deen Society remains non-partisan. However, the society will never rebuke, sideline or abandon our members who show an active interest in governance.
We believe authority is a sacred trust from Allah, and it is noble for our members to seek leadership with sincerity and competence for the benefit of society,” he said.
The August 15 governorship election in Osun State is expected to be keenly contested, with 14 political parties fielding candidates.
Incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke is seeking a second term in office on the platform of the Accord Party.
