Osun rerun: Omisore fails to endorse APC or PDP

Iyiola Omisore, candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), who came a distant third in the inconclusive governorship election in Osun state says his supporters should go with any party that shares the interest of SDP.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had fixed Thursday for rerun in polling units where the exercise was cancelled and in local government areas Omisore is believed to be popular.

Ahead of the rerun, chieftains from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) had taken turns to visit Omisore, seeking support for their candidate.

In a statement signed by Jide Fakorede, Omisore’s spokesman, practice of true democracy is what is paramount to the SDP candidate.

“I am telling my people that they should go with any political party that believes in what we in the SDP stand for; good governance, social justice and accountability,” he said.

“I have already detailed how we planned to restore Osun to the path of good governance through the five thematic pillars in the  manifesto I shared  during the electioneering. I will not negotiate for personal gains and abandon my people,” the statement read.

After hours of pressure on him by both PDP and APC, he said he would not renege on his promise of good governance and human dignity in Osun state.

“My alliance is with the people of Osun state irrespective of the political party they belong. I want my people to be treated with the dignity they deserve,” he said.

“I desire that they have a government that will be accountable to them. I want them to experience the good governance the founding fathers of this state envisaged. I have told the parties that have solicited for my support to approach the electorates and ask for their mandate as I have assured them that I will not coerce them for political or social power.

“It is because I have kept my promise that has made me enjoyed their unalloyed support all these years. As highlighted in SDP manifestos, the five thematic pillars the SDP had hoped to implement to improve governance, eliminate financial reckless and reposition the economy of Osun state include: Economic management and accountability; Professionalism and performance; Equity in access to service; Local content and innovation and Security.

“Their voices of demand for good governance, accountability and human dignity should continue to be heard as well as salaries paid. All these are what I stand for and which the SDP had promised the people all through our electioneering campaigns.  They are still paramount to me as we collectively chart the way forward for the governorship elections rerun in Osun state.”