The beautiful bride in the Thursday, September 27, 2018 governorship rerun in Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has said that what is paramount to him is the true practice of democratic values in the state.

He said this after over 72 hours of pressure on him by both the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC).

The SDP aspirant explained that he will never renege on his promise of good governance, accountability and human dignity in Osun State.

Omisore in a statement released on Wednesday by his Media Aide, Jide Fakorede, refused to dictate to his people on whom to vote for between the candidates – Senator Ademola Adeleke of PDP, who won last Saturday’s ballot with a narrow margin, and Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola of APC, whose votes made the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare the polls in which Omisore came third inconclusive.

Omisore stated: “Osun State has always been a stellar example of democracy where the people have consistently and freely expressed their franchise to determine who governs them and this should remain so.

“Osun people have shown that it is not business as usual. It is a positive deviation from what was hitherto the norm. I am telling my people that they should go with any political party that believes in what we in the SDP stand for; good governance, social justice and accountability.

“I have already detailed how we planned to restore Osun to the path of good governance through the five thematic pillars in the manifesto I shared during the electioneering. I will not negotiate for personal gains and abandon my people.

“My alliance is with the people of Osun State, irrespective of the political party they belong. I want my people to be treated with the dignity they deserve. I desire that they have a government that will be accountable to them. I want them to experience the good governance the founding fathers of this state envisaged. I have told the parties that have solicited for my support to approach the electorates and ask for their mandate as I have assured them that I will not coerce them for political or social power. It is because I have kept my promise that has made me enjoyed their unalloyed support all these years.”

Omisore further said: “As highlighted in SDP manifestos, the five thematic pillars the SDP had hoped to implement to improve governance, eliminate financial reckless and reposition the economy of Osun State include: Economic management and accountability; Professionalism and performance; Equity in access to service; Local content and innovation and Security.”

To this end, he has said to all Nigerians that this is the centre point of his campaign and “democracy we both fought for and believe in”.

Omisore added: “It is the right and democratic freedom of people to choose by their own free will. Their votes should not be coerced by money, vote buying, intimidation in form of militarisation, political and social power.

“Their voices of demand for good governance, accountability and human dignity should continue to be heard as well as salaries paid. All these are what I stand for and which the SDP had promised the people all through our electioneering campaigns. They are still paramount to me as we collectively chart the way forward for the governorship elections rerun in Osun state.”

The Osun political titan assured his followers and admirers that he will not abandon his campaign promises even as he engaged all stakeholders on the way forward to ensure the progress of Osun State is achieved.

Update news