Osun Re-run: I have strong confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary ― Adeleke

THE candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the September 22 gubernatorial poll in Osun, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Friday declared that he has strong confidence in the nation’s judiciary to retrieve what he termed his scared mandate that “brazenly stolen”.

He commended the electorate and the generality of the Osun people for their massive support, resilience and perseverance in the face of alleged violence, intimidation during Thursday rerun election.

Addressing a press conference in Ede, Osun State, Adeleke, who was flanked by his running mate, Hon Albert Adeogun and the state chairman of the PDP, Hon Soji Adagunodo averred that “we will use all legal and civil means to retrieve the stolen mandate of the people.”

According to him, “I have strong confidence in the judiciary to retrieve my mandate and your mandate that was stolen. We were temporarily robbed of victory. My good people of Osun State., don’t be downcast. By the special grace of God, your mandate will be restored. We will jointly retrieve our stolen mandate.

The judiciary has decided several cases like this and I believe they would do the right thing on this. We still have men who will stand for justice in Nigeria.”

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Adeleke continued, “from every corner of Osun State, your voice was loud and clear. From Owenna to Ora to Ede to Erin Ile to Asejre, you backed me for the governorship. From London to New York, from Cairo to South Africa, the brazen robbery of your mandate was watched live on social media and other channels.”

He further stated that “I sent my condolence to the families of our members who were killed during the supplementary poll. This is a dark moment. I sympathise with our members who were macheted and injured. We were under siege.”

“I appreciate the international community, domestic and international observers for your impartial coverage. Your reports validated our position that Osun election was violently rigged. I must personally convey my sincere gratitude to journalists, both local and international, for the risk-taking, courage and passion you demonstrated in support of democracy. Our party and members are grateful for passionate backing. We still need you as we launch the rigorous move to reclaim the stolen mandate of our people”, Adeleke remarked.