Osun: I don’t need vote-buying to win — Adeleke

Ademola Adeleke, the incumbent governor of Osun State and candidate for the Accord Party in the upcoming gubernatorial election, expressed confidence that his track record will ensure his re-election. During a recent townhall meeting and subsequent social media posts, Adeleke tackled various topics, including state finances, his political shift, and his famous dancing persona.

When discussing election strategies, Adeleke clarified that his administration lacks resources to engage in vote-buying. In fact, they have been using state funds to pay local government workers since their allocations were withheld by the federal government for nearly two years. Despite these constraints, he remains confident in the electorate's judgment, stating, "I do not need to buy votes to win the election. I have been providing workers with a monthly stipend since 2023, and my work speaks for itself."

Adeleke explained his departure from the People's Democratic Party (PDP) to contest under the Accord Party, acknowledging the internal strife within his former party as a factor in his decision. He emphasized that he left the PDP due to the crisis within the organization, despite his deep affection for the party: "I loved the PDP so much, and it was difficult to leave. I would have run as an independent candidate in this election if it were allowed in Nigeria."

Popular for his lively public appearances, Adeleke addressed concerns that his jovial demeanor might detract from his governance. He explained that his dancing is rooted in family tradition and does not impede his work: "I dance because in my family, we are jolly good fellows. As I am dancing, I am working. There is time for everything; there is time to dance, and there is time to work. Dancing does not stop me from working. I have delivered across all sectors."