The Imole Campaign Council (IMC) has dismissed as “laughable and defeatist” the attempt by the Osun State All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Council to link Governor Ademola Adeleke to an alleged oath-taking video circulating on social media.
The Chairman of the IMC Media and Publicity Committee, Bamidele Salam, made the clarification in a statement issued on Friday, insisting that Governor Adeleke has no connection with the alleged video.
According to Salam, the campaign council is examining the authenticity, source and circumstances surrounding the video but stressed that the governor neither authorised, participated in, directed nor endorsed the taking of any oath in relation to the August 15 governorship election or for any political purpose.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke is a democrat who believes fundamentally in the freedom of citizens to make their political choices according to their conscience. He does not need oaths, threats, intimidation or any form of coercion to secure the support of the people of Osun State,” the statement read.
Salam added that the governor enjoys widespread support across the state based on his performance in office and his relationship with the people, noting that his campaign is anchored on his achievements, vision for the state and the confidence of the electorate.
He described the APC’s attempt to associate the governor with an unverified social media video as a political strategy borne out of desperation.
“The APC’s attempt to convert an unverified video into a campaign issue exposes the poverty of its campaign strategy,” he said.
Salam argued that instead of engaging the Adeleke administration on issues such as roads, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, infrastructure and rural development, the opposition had resorted to allegations based on a video whose origin remains unclear.
The Imole Campaign Council maintained that Governor Adeleke does not require anyone to swear an oath or invoke curses before supporting or voting for him, stressing that the governor’s strength lies in the support of the people and his record in office.
The IMC urged the APC to stop focusing on unverified videos and prepare for the verdict of the electorate on August 15.
“The people of Osun are not being asked to vote for Governor Adeleke because of any oath. They are being asked to vote for him because they have seen the difference between a government that works for the people and an opposition that has offered little beyond fear, propaganda and empty accusations.
“Governor Adeleke will face the people on August 15 with his record. Let the APC face the people with its own record,” the statement added.
