Osun 2022: The Debatelḿḿ
KUDOS to the Yoruba programme of the British Broadcasting Corporation for the refreshing debate which brought together some candidates in the race for the State of Osun governorship seat. It was greatly needed in a lacklustre campaign.
At the debate, candidates of five major political parties in the state were in attendance. Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, Accord Party (AP), Rt. Hon. Lasun Yussuff, Labour Party (LP) and Arch. Goke Omigbondun of Social Democratic Party (SDP).
Issues of governance and economy was the major focus of the debate and how each candidate will bring prosperity to the state.
The agricultural sector of the economy was prioritised and discussed by each candidate.
While speaking at the programme, Oyetola said that the youth need to engage in agriculture, noting that his administration, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has been providing lands to individuals who have interest in agriculture.
On the issue of godfatherism in Nigeria politics, Oyetola stated that he doesn’t need the support of any godfather to win the July 16 governorship election, noting that his achievements in the last three and half years will speak for him.
Hon. Lasun Yussuff as well reiterated the importance of agriculture to grow the state economy. He said Osun do not need to go to Abuja for monthly allocation, noting that the state can generate more revenue from agriculture sector. Yussuff said he is a practical farmer while other candidates read agriculture from textbooks.
He said godfatherism cannot be excused in Nigerian politics, but can be prevented if candidates are voted for only on merit. The former deputy speaker said Nigeria politics has been bastardised with inducement of voters, sighting examples from the just concluded Ekiti governorship election and the APC presidential primary.
The governorship candidate of the SDP, Omigbodun while speaking said he is the only candidate with a documented manifesto, stating that he is fully prepared to lead Osun to the promised land. He noted that the people of the state are his godfathers, stating that he will rely on them to win the governorship election.
In his address, Adeleke on his part debunked the rumour that he will be controlled by his brother, Dr Deji Adeleke. He said there is nobody playing the role of godfather to him, stating that the Adeleke family loves themselves and they do things together.
CANDIDATES REJECTS VOTE-BUYING
Candidates of the five political parties pledged not to induce voters during the poll.
They stated this while responding individually to a question on vote buying. All the candidates called on the security agents to arrest and prosecute anyone found engaging in it.
