OSOGBO, Osun State — The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the August 15 election, Bola Oyebamiji, has appealed to voters in Osun State not to sell their votes, urging them to elect him based on his track record and vision for the state’s growth and development
Oyebamiji, a former banker and politician who has been endorsed by the APC leadership in the state, made the appeal in Osogbo during a campaign event, where he addressed a large gathering of supporters and party faithful. He emphasised that voting should be based on competence and the candidate’s ability to deliver on promises, rather than financial inducements, and called on other candidates to commit to issue-based campaigns.
The appeal comes as the campaign for the Osun governorship election gathers momentum ahead of the August 15 poll, and amid heightened political activities in the state. Oyebamiji’s call for voters to resist financial inducements is aimed at promoting a more transparent and credible election, as vote buying has been a persistent challenge in Nigerian elections, undermining the credibility of the electoral process and the quality of governance.
Oyebamiji noted that the people of Osun State deserve a leader who will prioritise their welfare and work to improve the state’s economy, infrastructure, and social services. He reiterated his commitment to creating jobs, improving healthcare delivery, and revamping the education sector, stressing that these issues should be at the forefront of voters’ considerations.
The APC candidate expressed concern that the culture of vote buying has eroded public trust in the electoral process and encouraged the emergence of leaders who are more interested in personal enrichment than public service. He called on voters to resist the temptation of financial inducements and to vote for candidates with a proven track record of integrity and competence.
Oyebamiji also appealed to religious and traditional leaders to join the campaign against vote buying and to educate their followers on the importance of making informed choices at the polls. He urged them to use their influence to promote civic responsibility and to discourage citizens from selling their votes.
The appeal has drawn reactions from various stakeholders, with some commending Oyebamiji for his stance against vote buying, while others have expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of such appeals in a political environment where financial inducements have become the norm. However, Oyebamiji insisted that change must begin with a conscious effort by both politicians and voters to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
As the August 15 election approaches, the APC candidate’s appeal highlights the growing concern about the influence of money in politics and its impact on the quality of governance. The Independent National Electoral Commission has also intensified its efforts to combat vote buying, deploying personnel and technology to monitor the process and deter electoral offences.
Oyebamiji concluded by urging voters to scrutinise the track records of all candidates before making their choice, saying that their decision at the ballot box would determine the future of the state. He expressed confidence that the people of Osun State would make the right choice and elect a leader who would prioritise their welfare and work tirelessly to improve their lives.
The appeal marks a significant moment in the Osun governorship campaign, as candidates continue to make their case to the electorate. For now, Oyebamiji has made his position clear: the people of Osun State deserve a leader who will serve them with integrity and dedication, and he is ready to be that leader.
