APC in Political Depression Over Completion of Major Infrastructure Projects, Says Adeleke
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke has described the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as being in “acute political depression,” alleging that the opposition failed in its attempts to halt his administration’s infrastructure projects across the state.
The governor made the remarks in a statement issued on Saturday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, after reviewing his re-election campaign, which has taken him to nine local government areas ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Adeleke said his administration successfully executed major infrastructure projects in Iwo, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Osogbo, Ila and several other communities despite what he described as efforts by the opposition to frustrate the state’s development.
According to him, the projects were delivered in line with due process, best engineering standards and the state’s local content policy.
“I have toured nine local governments. The massive show of support is astounding. Osun people appreciate our various projects from Osogbo to Iwo, Ila, Ilesa and Ile-Ife. Where the Osun APC failed, my administration performed and our people are testifying,” the governor said.
Adeleke further alleged that the APC attempted to prevent the execution of development projects by diverting more than N350 billion belonging to the state’s local governments.
“Osun APC tried to stop our state from developing. The opposition diverted over N350 billion of Osun local government money in its bid to stop the execution of major projects. Today, we have completed the projects and are commissioning them to the glory of God and humanity,” he said.
The governor maintained that all contracts awarded by his administration complied with the law and due process, adding that local engineers, suppliers and technicians played key roles in delivering quality projects across the state.
“We adopted the best engineering practices. Our procurement process complied with the law and due process, while our local engineers, suppliers and technicians did fantastic jobs across the state. We delivered quality projects with maintenance plans to ensure their durability,” he added.
Adeleke also claimed that the APC had become weakened following what he described as the success of his administration’s developmental agenda.
“Ever since the Osun APC failed to stop our developmental agenda, the party has fallen into disarray. It suffers from acute political depression. Its leaders are quitting on a daily basis and defecting to Accord. Meanwhile, Osun people continue to troop out in large numbers to welcome us wherever we go,” he said.
The governor expressed appreciation to residents of Iwo, Ifelodun, Boripe, Odo Otin, Ejigbo, Atakunmosa, Ife South, Ayedire and Olaoluwa local government areas for what he described as their overwhelming support during his campaign tour.
He also urged eligible voters not to surrender their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) or National Identification Numbers (NINs), alleging that such requests were part of attempts to disenfranchise voters.
“I charge Osun people to reject the current psychological warfare being waged by the Osun APC. Don’t hand over your PVC to anybody. Don’t release your NIN. These are plots to swindle and disenfranchise you.
“On August 15, your votes will count. Nobody can rig this election. Your vote will determine the winner. I urge Osun people to ignore rumours, come out to vote and protect their votes,” Adeleke said.