The flagbearer of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in the forthcoming Osun State gubernatorial election, Senator Ademola Adeleke has solicited the help of the international community to secure free and fair election in Osun state and other elections in Nigeria.
The PDP’s governorship candidate made the call while playing host a delegation of the Britisih High Commission in his Ede residence.
He reminded the diplomatic community of what transpired during the 2018 elections, urging proactive steps to nip in the bud any plot to rig forthcoming elections.
” 2018 is still fresh in the minds of our people. Democracy should be about the choice of the people. We need help to make our elections free and fair”, Adeleke said.
Commending British support for the growth and development of Nigerian democracy, Adeleke affirmed that the present Osun government lacks legitimacy, leading to what he called failure in governance, infighting within ruling party and prevalence of bad governance.
“Our party, the PDP is united and prepared to seek the mandate of the electorate again. We seek free and fair contest. We dare the APC to committ to similar goal in words and actions. Our manifesto is robust as it covers the key areas of needs of our people. We want to return government to the people of Osun state.
Recalling his days as a Director of Guiness Nigeria Limited and his experience with the UK arm of the company, Adeleke commended the British values of industry, entrepreneurship and efficiency, noting that a PDP government under him will partner with the British to develop Osun state.
Speaking earlier, the team lead for the British high commission, Mr Adewale Adebajo said they are on an exploratory visit to the PDP candidate ahead of an enlarged team visit prior to the elections.
He said the British government believes a free and fair election in Nigeria will enhance democratic growth across Africa.
While commending the committment of the candidate to a non-violence , free and fair campaign, Adebajo pledged the support of the British government to Nigeria’s democratic process.
Mr Adebajo (political Adviser) was accompanied on the trip by the British Deputy High Commission Southern Nigeria post security manager , Mr Shawn Anwoju.
The 2022 Osun State gubernatorial election will take place on July 16, 2022.
