Osun CSOs pick Adeleke as strongest town hall meeting candidate

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun State has picked Governor Ademola Adeleke as the strongest candidate among those who participated in the ARISE News Osun Governorship Town Hall Meeting held in Osogbo on Tuesday.

The group said its assessment was based on the candidates’ presentations, governance experience, existing achievements and capacity to sustain projects, rather than campaign promises alone, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

In a statement signed on Wednesday by its spokesperson, Olanrewaju Stephen, the Network said Adeleke had an advantage because, unlike other candidates, he had an existing record of governance that voters could assess.

It noted that while a manifesto represents what a candidate promises to do, a governance record provides evidence of what has already been attempted or delivered, urging voters to weigh fulfilled promises alongside new campaign pledges.

The group acknowledged that other candidates also presented ideas worthy of consideration, citing the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Najeem Salaam, who presented an employment and electricity agenda, including a pledge to create 20,000 jobs within his first 100 days.

It also said the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, focused on poverty reduction, agriculture, education, healthcare, security and human capital development, while the African Action Congress (AAC) candidate, Olajide Esan, emphasised citizen participation, transparency and accountability. The People’s Redemption Party (PRP) candidate, Saliu Oyelami, it added, presented himself as an alternative direction for the state.

The Network stressed that its assessment of Adeleke as the strongest candidate was not a “blank cheque” or unconditional endorsement, saying any second term should come with renewed responsibility to the people.

It further urged all political parties, candidates, security agencies, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, observers and voters to ensure a peaceful August 15 election.