By Julius Peter,Osogbo
The Director-General of the Nigerian Directorate of Employment (NDE) and former Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, Silas Ali Agara, has expressed confidence in the preparedness of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reclaim Osun State in Saturday’s governorship election.
Agara made the declaration in Osogbo while speaking with journalists at the APC’s grand finale campaign rally organised ahead of the August 15 governorship poll.
The NDE Director-General said the massive turnout of party supporters at the rally was a strong indication of the growing acceptance of the APC and its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, across the state.
According to him, the huge crowd at the event comprised Nigerians from different regions and people from diverse backgrounds who had converged in Osogbo to demonstrate their solidarity with the APC and its candidate.
He said, “People have come from all walks of life, from the North, East, West and South, to show their support for our candidate and the APC. I am quite impressed with what I have seen here today.”
Agara said the enthusiasm and commitment displayed by party supporters had further strengthened his conviction that the APC was firmly rooted in Osun State and adequately prepared for the election.
He maintained that the impressive turnout should not be viewed merely as a display of numbers, but as evidence of the party’s extensive grassroots mobilisation and growing support among the electorate.
The former deputy governor said the APC had activated its structures across the state and was prepared to mount a formidable challenge to the incumbent administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke at the polls.
He added that the party had mobilised its members and supporters at the ward and local government levels, with a clear determination to secure victory for its candidate.
Agara also expressed confidence in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the APC remained committed to effective governance, economic development and the delivery of democratic dividends to Nigerians.
He urged APC supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and law-abiding throughout the electoral process, particularly as they proceed to their various polling units on election day.
The NDE boss called on eligible voters in Osun State to exercise their constitutional right by coming out to vote, stressing that citizens had a crucial role to play in determining the future leadership and direction of the state.
He further appealed to the people of Osun to support the APC candidate, describing the governorship election as an opportunity for the electorate to choose a new direction for the state.
Agara insisted that the APC was united and ready for the contest, saying the level of confidence demonstrated by party leaders, members and supporters during the grand finale was a positive indication of what could be expected at the polls.
The grand finale attracted prominent APC leaders, campaign officials, stakeholders and thousands of supporters from across Osun State and beyond. The event provided the party with an opportunity to make its final appeal to voters and reinforce its campaign message before the election.
With campaigning effectively reaching its climax, APC leaders have continued to urge supporters to turn out peacefully, protect their votes and support the party’s candidate at the polling units.
Agara’s comments came as political parties intensified their final mobilisation efforts across Osun ahead of the closely watched governorship election, with the APC expressing optimism that its grassroots campaign and mobilisation efforts would translate into victory at the polls.
As voters prepare to make their choice, the parties have also been urged to conduct themselves peacefully and respect the electoral process, while allowing the electorate to freely exercise their franchise.
For the APC, however, Agara said the message from the grand finale was clear: the party is organised, mobilised and ready for the contest, with its leadership and supporters optimistic about reclaiming Osun State.
