By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo
OSOGBO — The National Chairman of the Accord Party, Maxwell Mgbudem, has described Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election as a victory for democracy and the people of Osun State, saying the electorate had spoken through their votes.
Mgbudem, who addressed journalists in Osogbo on Monday, said the outcome of the governorship election demonstrated the determination of the people to freely choose their leaders.
He described the election as “a triumph of courage over fear and intimidation”, saying the people had renewed Adeleke’s mandate based on his administration’s performance.
“It was indeed the triumph of courage over fear and intimidation. The people have spoken loud and clear with their votes. They have, in one accord, renewed the mandate of their beloved Governor Adeleke.
“They have voted for continuity, compassionate and inclusive governance,” he said.
The Accord chairman, however, alleged that the electioneering period was characterised by harassment, intimidation, arrests and other activities which, according to him, created tension in the state.
He also alleged that federal agencies, including the police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), were used to suppress the party, the state government and its supporters.
Mgbudem further alleged that the withholding of local government allocations had affected service delivery across the state.
He said, “The objective is to destabilise the government of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, and make Osun State ungovernable to pave the way for a declaration of a state of emergency.”
The national chairman said Accord prepared for an election and not a conflict, adding that the party remained committed to democratic processes.
“It is well known that our great party, Accord, prepared for an election in its stronghold, not for a war, conscious of the fact that the ballot is stronger than the bullet,” he said.
Mgbudem attributed Adeleke’s victory to what he described as the governor’s achievements and the impact of his administration across the state.
“The achievements of Governor Adeleke are evident and the impacts of his transformative leadership are undeniable. The people identified with him and Accord in pursuit of a better, greater, brighter and prosperous Osun State,” he said.
He called on opposition parties in the state to work with the Adeleke administration, saying the collective interest of Osun should take precedence over individual political interests.
Mgbudem also called for the release of party leaders, candidates and supporters allegedly arrested during the election period.
He urged the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that those detained were treated in accordance with the law.
The Accord chairman commended Nigerians, civil society organisations and electoral stakeholders for what he described as their efforts to uphold democratic values during the election.
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