Adeleke Storms Ijesaland, Unveils 10,000 Campaign Foot Soldiers Amid Massive Endorsement

 

By Abdulahi Musa 

 Governor Ademola Adeleke has described the massive turnout of supporters at the inauguration of 10,000 Imole canvassers in Ijesaland as proof that the All Progressives Congress (APC) has lost its support base across Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Speaking at the event held in Ijebu-Jesa, Oriade Local Government Area, Governor Adeleke said the overwhelming crowd and enthusiasm displayed by residents of Ijesa North Federal Constituency demonstrated growing support for his re-election bid and the Accord Party, despite the recent defection of some lawmakers.

The canvassers' inauguration was organised by Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi, House of Representatives candidate for Ijesa North Federal Constituency under the Accord Party, and drew thousands of supporters, party leaders, and government officials from across the state.

Adeleke praised the people of Ijesaland for their unwavering loyalty, insisting that the opposition APC had become increasingly unpopular among Osun voters.

"This massive presence proves that Accord has become stronger despite the defection of some lawmakers," the governor declared.

He also commended Olajengbesi for what he described as an impressive mobilisation effort, likening the federal constituency candidate to a biblical David destined to overcome political giants in the opposition camp.

"Barrister Pelumi Olajengbesi is the David of this generation destined to defeat all Goliath in the opposition party," Adeleke said.

The governor further alleged that the opposition was resorting to intimidation because of its declining popularity, warning that violence would not alter the people's support for his administration.

"No amount of violence can change the love of the people for Accord. Let us come out on election day and vote massively. Our vote is our voice," he added.

In his address, Olajengbesi said the gathering was designed not only to inaugurate the 10,000 canvassers but also to publicly demonstrate the confidence and support Ijesaland has for Governor Adeleke's administration.

According to him, residents of Ijesa North view both Adeleke's re-election and his own election to the House of Representatives as critical steps toward advancing the development of the constituency.

"The people of Ijesa North are aware that my victory and your re-election are the pathway to liberating our people from underdevelopment and restoring progress to the constituency," he said.

Also speaking, Osun PDP Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, expressed confidence that Governor Adeleke would record one of his strongest electoral performances in Ijesaland.

"I assure you, Mr Governor, that your votes in Ijesaland will surpass those of Ede," Bisi declared.

The event was attended by top political figures, including Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate Senator Lere Oyewumi, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, Chief of Staff Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, Yeyeluwa Modupeola Adeleke-Sanni, leaders of the Accord Party and PDP, as well as other senior government officials.

Political observers described the gathering as one of the largest grassroots mobilisation events held in Ijesaland in recent months, signalling an early intensification of campaigns ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.