The Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun State has rated 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, continuity of projects and the development needs of the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement, the Network commended ARISE News for creating an opportunity for the candidates to present their programmes and visions to the electorate, describing such engagements as important to democratic development.
The civil society groups said Adeleke had an advantage because, unlike other candidates, he had an existing record of governance that voters could assess.
According to the Network, his administration’s performance could be evaluated through its interventions in infrastructure, road construction, healthcare, workers’ welfare, pensions and other government programmes.
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.
The group therefore urged voters to weigh fulfilled promises alongside new campaign pledges.
The group acknowledged that other candidates also presented ideas worthy of consideration.
It cited ADC candidate Najeem Salaam’s proposed employment and electricity agenda, including a pledge to create 20,000 jobs within his first 100 days.
APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji focused on poverty reduction, agriculture, education, healthcare, security and human-capital development, while AAC candidate Olajide Esan emphasised citizen participation, transparency and accountability.
The PRP candidate Saliu Oyelami, the group added, also presented himself as an alternative direction for the state.
The Network, however, said attractive promises must be measured against demonstrated capacity and the ability to deliver measurable results.
The group stressed that its assessment of Adeleke as the strongest candidate was not a “blank cheque” or unconditional endorsement.
If relected the group said a second term should represent a renewed responsibility to the people and called for greater transparency, accountability, private-sector investment, job creation and improved performance in education, healthcare, agriculture, electricity and revenue generation.
The Network also called on all political parties, candidates, security agencies, INEC officials, observers and voters to ensure a peaceful August 15 election.
It stressed that every vote must be protected, every voter’s choice respected and the outcome allowed to reflect the genuine will of the people.
Signed:
Olanrewaju Stephen
For the Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun State
