Adeleke’s re-election reflects will of Osun people — Accord chairman

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The National Chairman of Accord, Chief Maxwell Mgbudem, has dedicated Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory in the Osun State governorship election to the people of the state, saying they demonstrated their abiding faith in democratic participation and the Accord government.

Addressing newsmen in Osogbo on Monday, Mgbudem described Adeleke’s victory as “the triumph of courage over fear and intimidation,” saying the people of Osun had spoken through their votes and renewed the governor’s mandate.

He said the victory was dedicated to the “peace-loving people of Osun State” who, according to him, demonstrated their resolve to freely choose their governor and protect their votes despite the challenges surrounding the election.

According to him, “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. It’s the reason the Osun people defied the political violence and the bullets in this heavily militarised election to come out en masse to vote for Accord and its candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

“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”.

The Accord national chairman also commended Nigerians, civil society organisations, local and foreign election observers, the international community, the electoral umpire and security agencies for what he described as their roles in upholding electoral integrity, transparency and democratic values during the poll.

“We commend all Nigerians, civil society organisations, local and foreign election observers, the international community, the electoral umpire and security agencies who prioritised electoral integrity and transparency, and upheld democratic values, ethics, ethos and ideals during the Osun gubernatorial poll. We did it all together, and once again made Nigeria proud,” he said.

Mgbudem also extended the party’s hand of fellowship to other political parties, their candidates, members and supporters, urging them to close ranks and work with the Accord government to make Osun State great.