Former Osun State Governor and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has dismissed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)’s popular campaign slogan, saying the “On your mandate, we stand” chant has lost relevance with Nigerians ahead of the Ekiti governorship election.
Aregbesola made the remarks on Thursday at the ADC’s final campaign rally held in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, where the Party rallied support for its governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, ahead of Saturday’s election.
Addressing a crowd of supporters in Yoruba, the former Governor said that if the election is conducted in a free and fair manner, the ADC stands a strong chance of emerging victorious.
During the rally, when some supporters began chanting the APC’s well-known slogan “On your mandate,” Aregbesola immediately waved it off, describing it as “obsolete,” and went on to lead counter chants mocking both the ruling Party at the federal and state levels.
The ADC campaign event was staged in support of Dare Bejide, one of the 14 governorship candidates contesting the election, which also features incumbent Governor, Biodun Oyebanji of the APC, alongside other contenders from the Labour Party, PDP, NNPP, SDP, YPP and several smaller parties.
Other notable candidates in the race include Oluwole Oluyede (PDP), Damilola Adetunji (ZLP) and Peter Obafemi (SDP), among others.
Aregbesola told supporters that the ruling Party had underestimated the ADC’s strength, insisting that voters would have the final say on election day.
“They think we are not strong, but we will meet on election day. They are not governing well. If they campaign within their family, they won’t win,” he said.
He further criticised the performance of the APC-led government, describing its governance as poor despite what he called aggressive political branding.
“Governance is zero while their politics is A1,” Aregbesola added.
The ADC National Chair, David Mark, along with the Party’s National Women Leader, Naomi Abel, and other top officials, were also present at the campaign rally.
Speaking at the event, governorship candidate, Dare Bejide, promised that his administration would prioritise basic amenities if elected Governor of Ekiti State.
He urged supporters to remain confident and mobilise ahead of the polls, describing the Party’s campaign strength as a “bulldozer” capable of overcoming its opponents at the ballot box.
