As campaigns enter the final stretch ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, says his administration will be driven by fiscal discipline, transparency and measurable performance rather than politics. He tells selected journalists that economic recovery, infrastructure and security will be his immediate priorities while defending his campaign against allegations of political violence. SEYE OLUMIDE was there.

If elected governor, what would your first 100 days in office look like?

The first 100 days of any administration are critical because they set the tone for governance and indicate the direction the government intends to take. For me, those initial months will focus on understanding the true financial position of Osun State and laying a solid foundation for economic governance. This is not about witch-hunting anyone, but about knowing the true state of affairs before taking major decisions.

Before implementing key policies, it is important to conduct a comprehensive review of the state’s finances. We need to know the exact position of our revenues, expenditures, debts, contractual commitments and other financial obligations.

Governance must be based on facts and accurate data rather than assumptions. Such an assessment will enable us to make informed decisions and prioritise projects that will deliver the greatest benefits to the people.

One of the projects that will receive immediate attention is the Dagbolu Dry Port. I believe it is a strategic investment with enormous potential to stimulate commerce, attract investors and strengthen the state’s economy.

Another priority will be strengthening internally generated revenue. No state can achieve sustainable development by depending almost entirely on federal allocations. We must identify sectors with strong growth potential, including agriculture, commerce, tourism, technology and small-scale industries. By expanding economic activities, we will increase the state’s revenue while creating employment opportunities for our people.

Job creation will remain a major focus of my administration. Thousands of young people across Osun are looking for opportunities to build productive lives. We intend to introduce programmes that promote entrepreneurship, support small businesses, and encourage private-sector investment. We will work closely with development partners, financial institutions and investors to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. Our target is to employ at least 10,000 youths as soon as we settle down. We achieved something similar in the past and, by the grace of God, we intend to improve on that if elected on August 15.

Workers will also receive priority attention. Public servants are central to governance, and we recognise their contributions to the development of the state. We will review outstanding salary and pension obligations and take practical steps to address them. Workers deserve fair treatment, prompt payment and an environment that enables them to perform effectively.

Infrastructure development will equally rank high among our priorities. We have identified strategic roads that require urgent intervention, especially entry roads into Osun, many of which are in poor condition. Good roads facilitate trade, reduce transportation costs and improve access to markets.

I have met with the President and have also been given the opportunity to engage with the Minister of Works. Very soon, work will commence on the Osogbo-Iwo Road and the Ogan-Aguda Road. By the time I invite you to my inauguration on November 27, you will begin to see evidence of some of the projects we intend to deliver.

We will also work closely with relevant federal agencies because some critical infrastructure projects fall within the jurisdiction of the Federal Government. Development is best achieved through cooperation rather than confrontation.

I will also place a premium on settling outstanding salary and pension obligations within the limits of available resources.

Ultimately, governance is about solving problems. Once we assume office, there will be immediate challenges requiring urgent attention, and we will respond decisively. Our goal is to strengthen institutions, improve service delivery and enhance the quality of life of every resident of Osun State.

How would you assess the performance of the current administration?

Our position is that the current administration has not justified the enormous resources at its disposal. This assessment is based on publicly available information regarding federal allocations, intervention funds, and other revenues received by the state.

The critical question is whether those resources have translated into visible improvements in the lives of ordinary people. When governments receive substantial revenues, citizens expect corresponding progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, employment and economic development.

We believe there are legitimate questions regarding priorities, project implementation and overall outcomes. Have schools improved sufficiently? Has healthcare become more accessible? Have roads and other public infrastructure been upgraded? Have enough jobs been created?
These are not partisan questions. Every citizen has the right to demand accountability because public resources belong to the people.

Our campaign is centred on measurable performance, responsible governance and a clear vision for the future of Osun State.

You have criticised some infrastructure projects undertaken by the government. What are your concerns?

Our concerns centre on value for money, transparency and quality of execution.

Infrastructure is important, but citizens deserve assurance that public funds are being spent responsibly. Whenever huge sums are committed to projects, the government should be transparent about costs, procurement processes, implementation timelines and expected outcomes.

We have also raised concerns about aspects of some road and bridge projects, including questions about construction standards and project delivery. Infrastructure should be built to last and should serve communities for generations.

Our criticism is not opposition for its own sake. We simply believe every naira spent should produce measurable value for the people.

If elected, transparency, accountability and value for money will guide every infrastructure project undertaken by our administration.

What distinguishes your campaign from that of your opponents?

Our campaign is distinguished by its focus on governance and practical solutions. We are not interested in propaganda or personal attacks. Our emphasis is on issues that affect ordinary citizens every day, job creation, infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture and economic development.

We believe politics should be about offering solutions rather than trading insults. That is the approach we have adopted, and it is the approach we intend to sustain if elected.

There have been concerns about political violence in Osun State. What is your assessment of the situation?

Political violence remains a serious concern, and it should worry every stakeholder regardless of political affiliation. Democracy thrives only when citizens can freely express their opinions, participate in political activities and vote without fear.

Our party has repeatedly raised concerns over attacks on some of our members and supporters. Over the years, APC members have reportedly been attacked, injured, and, in some cases, killed. We have consistently brought these incidents to the attention of security agencies because every allegation of violence deserves proper investigation.

In 2022 alone, we lost 25 members to political violence. That is now history, but it is a painful reminder that no political office is worth the life of any citizen.

Political competition should never degenerate into violence. Regardless of political differences, we remain members of the same communities and citizens of the same state.

I believe political leaders have a responsibility to promote peace. They must be careful with their words and actions because supporters often take their cue from them. We should encourage dialogue, tolerance and respect for differing opinions.

The APC is not a violent party. Violence is not part of our political culture. We intend to win the confidence of voters through our ideas, performance and programmes rather than intimidation. Unfortunately, from what we have witnessed, those currently in government appear determined to deploy violence as a political tool.

But your opponents argue that the APC is responsible for tension in the state.
We reject that narrative completely. Elections should be decided on governance, policies and performance, not on allegations or hostility.

We have, on several occasions, received intelligence about planned acts of violence and alerted the appropriate security agencies to what we believe the Accord Party intended to do. Whatever is happening in Osun today is being propelled by those in power.

Our focus remains on presenting our programmes while allowing voters to make informed decisions. Democracy works best when citizens have clear choices based on facts and performance. The party in office is the one harbouring political thugs to attack us.

You have made allegations regarding criminal activities and security issues in the state. Can you elaborate?
Our position has always been that the rule of law must prevail.

Where individuals are accused of criminal offences, investigations should be thorough, transparent and allowed to run their course without political interference.

We have expressed concern over reports that some criminal cases were discontinued because such developments naturally raise public questions. Citizens deserve confidence that justice is being administered fairly.

No one should be presumed guilty without due process, but serious allegations should never be ignored.

Law enforcement agencies and the judiciary must remain independent and professional. Political considerations should never interfere with the administration of justice because public confidence depends on the integrity of these institutions.

What message do you have for security agencies ahead of the election?

My message is simple: remain professional, impartial and committed to the rule of law.

Security agencies have a constitutional responsibility to protect every citizen regardless of political affiliation. Their duty is to maintain peace, prevent violence and ensure that voters can exercise their democratic rights without fear.

Every reported case of violence or intimidation should be thoroughly investigated, and anyone found culpable should face the law.

Accountability is essential to maintaining public confidence.

We do not require federal might to win the Osun governorship election. We believe the people of Osun will freely choose the candidate they consider best prepared to govern the state.

Why did you enter the media space relatively late?

I understand that perception, and I acknowledge there is always room for improvement in communication and public engagement. Politics is not only about having good ideas but also about ensuring that citizens understand those ideas and can evaluate them properly.

We are strengthening our communication strategy and expanding engagement with journalists, media organisations, civil society groups and community leaders. Meetings such as this are part of that process.

The media plays an indispensable role in any democracy. Journalists inform citizens, promote transparency and hold public officials accountable. We respect that role and appreciate the importance of maintaining an open and constructive relationship with media practitioners.

Going forward, we intend to engage more consistently. We want our message to reach every community across Osun while creating opportunities for citizens to ask questions and receive direct answers. Effective communication builds trust, and trust is essential for good governance.

Our objective is not merely to publicise campaign activities but also to listen to people’s concerns and incorporate their views into our plans for government.

What is your final message to the people of Osun State?

My message is one of hope, commitment and service.

Osun State possesses enormous potential, and with the right leadership, that potential can be transformed into sustainable development. If given the opportunity to serve, my administration will focus on transparent, accountable and people-oriented governance.

We will strengthen the economy, improve infrastructure, create employment opportunities, support workers, empower young people and ensure that public resources are managed responsibly and prudently.

As we approach this election, I urge every citizen to remain peaceful, participate actively in the democratic process and vote based on issues, competence and performance rather than sentiment.

Together, we can build an Osun State with stronger institutions, greater opportunities and a brighter future for every resident.