In less than twenty days to the September 22 governorship election in Osun State, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has sounded the alarm over an alleged vote -buying arrangements said to have been made by some “unpopular opposition parties and their candidates,” which it warned may hinder a free and fair election in the state.
The SDP in a released entitled: “Vote Buying: A Threat To Credible Poll In Osun,” signed by its chairman, Dr Bayo Faforiji, and circulated in Osogbo, said, “there are strong indications that the much expected month of freedom, restoration and limitless joy for Osun people, when the frustrated masses shall be free from the clueless eight-year administration of All Progressives Congress (APC), may be thwarted by the present menace of vote buying by unpopular political parties and their candidates.”
According to the release, “investigation has shown that some unscrupulous elements from the quarters of failed candidates are all out now, in Osogbo, the state capital, running helter-sketer and luring the unsuspecting public into selling their consciences for provisional cash.”
The party citing a similar case in the Ekiti State governorship election, warned that, “with the issue of ‘see and buy’ in the July election of Ekiti State staring our nascent democracy in the face, it is crucial to point out that the action is not only condemnable, it is also threatening the credibility and fairness of the forthcoming September 22 governorship election in Osun state.
It, however, called on the public to not to be part of any illegal arrangement, saying, “SDP is the only party that stands out for modern politicking, people oriented programmes and competent candidate, Senator (Dr) Iyiola Omisore, who is experienced and imbued with leadership qualities to free Osun from suffering, darkness and general misrule of the current administration.
It charged that, “it is in the interest our common good to say no to vote buying, vote selling, rigging, intimidation, lawlessness and other electoral malpractices in the forthcoming polls,” saying, “the leading party in the election, Social Democratic Party (SDP) cannot afford to keep quiet in this precarious situation for the sake of our enduring democracy, hence berating the trend in its entirety.”
Hence, it called on the people to be vigilant and be on guard, saying, “we must relentlessly pursue our common goal of reclaiming Osun for its masses. We must resist the aliens and opportunists with all their gimmicks, antics and frivolities. Let’s join hands to vote for freedom, progress and prosperity of ourselves and posterity. Let us follow our conscience and go for the best without financial inducement. The rest must be disappointed with their moneybags, nobody must buy our future with money. Osun people are unique and priceless.”
“The SDP ticket of Iyiola Omisore and his running mate, Yemi Lawal shall, with your support and prayers, in a fair electoral process, come out with flying colours on September 22nd when the Osun people shall rejoice together again,” SDP said.