Turaki-led PDP endorses APM candidate for Osun governorship race

The candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, Adewale Adebayo, has secured the endorsement of the Turaki faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state.

The faction, led by former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, pledged its support for Adebayo at an event held in Okuku, Osun State, on Wednesday, expressing confidence that the alliance would yield positive results in the forthcoming election.

Speaking at the event, Oyinlola, who was accompanied by the former Secretary to the State Government during his administration, Fatai Akinbade, and a former PDP South-West Vice Chairman, Tajudeen Oladipo, formally declared support for the APM candidate.

Oyinlola explained that the leadership of the Turaki faction of the PDP was in alliance with the APM, adding that the working relationship between the two groups at the national level was simply being replicated in Osun State.

“There is an alliance between the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement. The Turaki-led faction of the PDP has adopted the APM candidate in Osun State,” Oyinlola said.

He subsequently presented the APM flag to Adebayo as a symbol of the faction’s endorsement of his governorship bid.

Earlier, Adebayo said he was not contesting the election to negotiate with any other candidate but to win and govern the state.

“We are not in this election to participate. We are not in this election to negotiate. We are in this election to win. When a cause enjoys the backing of respected elders, victory becomes easier. Today, we have come to seek a place under that same umbrella.

“Osun is blessed with a large population of energetic young men and women between the ages of 18 and 52. They are looking for leadership they can trust. They are looking for hope. They are looking for a credible alternative.

“We believe our party can provide that leadership. Therefore, distinguished fathers, we humbly ask for your support, your prayers and your blessings. Stand with us. Guide us. Speak for us where necessary. Mobilise with us. And by the grace of Almighty God, victory shall be ours on August 15”, Adebayo said.

Osun voters are expected to go to the polls on August 15 to elect a governor. The incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party.

Other major contenders in the election include the candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Oyebamiji, and Najeem Salaam, the flagbearer of the African Democratic Congress.