The candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the governorship election in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, yesterday, dismissed rumours circulating that he is relying on support from the Federal Government to win the contest.

Oyebamiji said that he is popular among the people and has done due diligence, made appropriate consultations, and has also received overwhelming support and endorsement of critical stakeholders ahead of the polls.

He said the people of the state are yearning for a change of government, hence the support he has been receiving from stakeholders.

IN another development, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, yesterday challenged media professionals in the state to engage in investigative journalism endeavours geared towards exposing election riggers.

Adeleke urged journalists not to be silent when the will of the people is being subverted.

The governor gave the charge while hosting the new leadership of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, in Osogbo yesterday.

Adeleke said the emergence of Adeyemi Aboderin as Chairman and Lekan Akindoju as Secretary of Osun NUJ would deepen the partnership between the government and the NUJ.

“We must remain supportive partners in progress to deliver good governance in our dear state,” Adeleke stressed.

He reiterated his commitment to support the NUJ, directing the Commissioner for Information and his spokesperson to work with the Council to implement the ideas presented by the new leadership.

The governor also tasked the media to remain a strong vanguard against fake news and disinformation, adding that “as Osun is nearing a new election cycle, I urge media practitioners to uphold professionalism and ethics of the profession.”