Defections can’t stop APC from victory, Aregbesola declares

• ‘Party won’t buy votes to win’

Governor Rauf Aregbesola has declared that defections from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) cannot stop it from winning the governorship election. Aregbesola spoke at the weekend in Ilawo, while addressing some APC loyalists at Ilawo, in Ejigbo Local Council Area, during a Salah celebration organised by the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salam.

He said the APC remains committed and united, regardless of the several defections from it, stressing that the party remains strong on account of its wide acceptance by the people.He expressed confidence in the ability of the ruling party to win the governorship election, adding that the defectors have lost sight of reality.He said his party was working hard to sustain the tempo of continuity, which, according to him, could only set the state on the pedestal of all-round development.

The governor described the APC as the only political party that can turn around the state and Nigeria’s socio-economic fortunes, and urged the electorate to vote for its candidate.He commended the party’s loyalists for their resilience amidst oppositions, particularly before, during and after its governorship primaries.

“These defections have made us to know those who are genuinely with us and those who are not.‎ We have known friends, enemies and cunning individuals among us by these defections. But, we are not afraid of their antics, as we remain united, strong and committed.”

The state chairman of the party, Gboyega Famodun, thanked members for being committed to the advancement of the party.Meanwhile, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the governor on Regional Integration, Wale Alabi, said the APC would not induce voters with money during the election.He said the ‘See and Buy,” which was introduced by politicians in the recently concluded governorship poll in Ekiti State is not part of the party’s strategy to win the poll.

He disclosed this at the official campaign of Osun R-Connect (a voluntary social media group in the APC), to sensitise people on the impressive achievements by the current administration.

“The APC, despite the fact that we have done a lot for the people of Osun, is still not relenting on its efforts. We are going out, talking to the people, canvassing and begging them to let the development by the APC government to continue.Head of R-connect, Gboyega Oyetola, said Aregbesola had done well in terms of infrastructure and human development for the people of Osun.