The Network of Civil Society Groups in Osun State have commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for what it described as a strong showing at the Osun Governorship Town Hall Meeting held in Osogbo on Tuesday.
In a statement signed by Olanrewaju Stephen, the Network said Adeleke came out as the best candidate among those who were engaged at the town hall meeting.
NAIJAONPOINT reports that Adeleke, alongside the candidates of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Oyebamiji, African Democratic Congress, Dr Najeem Salam, Peoples Redemption Party, Saliu Oyelami and the African Action Congress, Olajide Esan, were at the meeting organised by Arise TV.
The group said its assessment was based on candidates’ presentations, governance experience, existing achievements, continuity of projects and the development needs of the state ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
According to the CSOs, Adeleke had an advantage because, unlike other contenders, he has an existing record of governance that voters can assess.
“Their administration’s performance could be evaluated through its interventions in infrastructure, road construction, healthcare, workers’ welfare, pensions and other government programmes,” the statement said.
The Network noted that while a manifesto outlines what a candidate promises to do, a governance record provides evidence of what has already been delivered.
It therefore urged voters to weigh fulfilled promises alongside new campaign pledges.
The group, however, acknowledged that other candidates also presented ideas worthy of consideration.
It cited the ADC candidate’s pledge to create 20,000 jobs within his first 100 days through an employment and electricity agenda.
APC candidate, Oyebamiji, it said, focused on poverty reduction, agriculture, education, healthcare, security and human-capital development.
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“AAC candidate, Olajide Esan, emphasised citizen participation, transparency and accountability, while PRP candidate, Saliu Oyelami, presented himself as an alternative direction for the state,” it said.
Despite this, the Network said attractive promises must be measured against demonstrated capacity and the ability to deliver measurable results.
The group stressed that rating Adeleke as the strongest candidate was not a “blank cheque” or unconditional endorsement.
“If re-elected, a second term should represent a renewed responsibility to the people,” it said, calling for greater transparency, accountability, private-sector investment, job creation and improved performance in education, healthcare, agriculture, electricity and revenue generation.
The Network also appealed to all political parties, candidates, security agencies, INEC officials, observers and voters to ensure a peaceful August 15 election.
“Every vote must be protected, every voter’s choice respected and the outcome allowed to reflect the genuine will of the people,” the group added.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
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