Nigeria: Osun Election - APC's Oyebamiji Downplays 'Federal Might', Vows to Banish Poverty

What the report says

Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate in Osun State, has rejected claims that the federal government is planning to use its influence to help him win the August 15 governorship election. According to Vanguard’s report distributed by AllAfrica, he made the remarks during an Arise Television town hall for governorship candidates ahead of the vote.

Oyebamiji used the forum to present his main priorities if elected. He said his administration would focus on security, public welfare and efforts to reduce hunger and poverty through stronger investment in agriculture, education and healthcare. He also emphasized human capital development and said his approach would cover the entire state rather than favoring specific areas.

The APC candidate said his campaign has taken him to all 30 local government areas in Osun several times and that his consultations with party members, community leaders, traders, artisans, lawyers and civil servants had convinced him that many residents want a change of government. He also said he had inaugurated canvassers across the state to build support.

In response to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s allegations about “federal might,” Oyebamiji said he had not seen evidence of such a plan during his campaign. He also said his candidacy had received endorsements from about 42 groups, including private enterprises and civil servants. The election is part of the wider contest for control of Osun State and is being closely watched because of the recurring sensitivity around federal influence in Nigerian state elections.