Ebun Francis|
Iyiola Omisore, the candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), late on Wednesday endorsed the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Osun state governorship rerun election.
Omisores decision to enter into an alliance with the ruling All Progressive Congress will come as a shock to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which had been banking on his support ahead of the rerun scheduled for Thursday.
The former deputy governor has been under pressure from the PDP and APC because Ife, his stronghold, is among the four local government area where the rerun would hold.
Omisore, who had earlier refused to endorse any candidate, however, changed his mind late on Wednesday following the visit of APC leaders to his country home.
Addressing newsmen at the end of the visit, Omisore said his party had decided to endorse APC.
“We have accepted to support the APC for victory in the rerun election tomorrow and thereafter form a coalition government,” he said.
The beautiful bride of Osun politics and candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Iyiola Omisore who came third in the inconclusive governorship election in Osun state has failed to endorse any candidate for Thursday’s re-run election despite pressure from the two frontline political parties, APC and PDP.
The former deputy governor of the state on Wednesday told his supporters to vote for any party that shares the interest of SDP.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed Thursday for a rerun in some polling units where the results of the election was cancelled.
Earlier in the day reports emerged that Omisore had endorsed the candidate of the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.
But in a statement signed by Jide Fakorede, his spokesman, Omisore said that the practice of true democracy is what is paramount to him.
Omisore said, “I am telling my people that they should go with any political party that believes in what we in the SDP stand for; good governance, social justice and accountability.”
“I have already detailed how we planned to restore Osun to the path of good governance through the five thematic pillars in the manifesto I shared during the electioneering. I will not negotiate for personal gains and abandon my people,” the statement read.
“My alliance is with the people of Osun state irrespective of the political party they belong. I want my people to be treated with the dignity they deserve.”
“I desire that they have a government that will be accountable to them. I want them to experience the good governance the founding fathers of this state envisaged. I have told the parties that have solicited for my support to approach the electorates and ask for their mandate as I have assured them that I will not coerce them for political or social power.
“It is because I have kept my promise that has made me enjoyed their unalloyed support all these years. As highlighted in SDP manifestos, the five thematic pillars the SDP had hoped to implement to improve governance, eliminate financial reckless and reposition the economy of Osun state include: Economic management and accountability; Professionalism and performance; Equity in access to service; Local content and innovation and Security.
“Their voices of demand for good governance, accountability and human dignity should continue to be heard as well as salaries paid. All these are what I stand for and which the SDP had promised the people all through our electioneering campaigns. They are still paramount to me as we collectively chart the way forward for the governorship elections rerun in Osun state.”
Ahead of Thursday,s rerun, both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) took turns to visit Omisore, asking for his support for their candidate.