Arise News Town Hall: Accord Candidate, Gov Adeleke, Says ‘If I Come Out as Independent Candidate, I’ll Still Win’

Osun State Governor and candidate of the Accord party, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed confidence in his electoral strength, saying he would win the state’s governorship election even if he contested as an independent candidate without the backing of a political party.Adeleke made the assertion during the Arise News Town Hall, ahead of Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State, where he spoke about his political journey, his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the record of his administration.

‘I Will Still Win as Independent CandidateThe governor said his confidence was based largely on his relationship with voters in the state and the performance of his administration.He said Nigeria’s electoral system currently requires candidates to contest under political parties but expressed hope that the country would eventually allow independent candidacy.“Assuming the way they do it in America, that you can come out and be an independent candidate. I’m looking towards that, that one day, Nigeria, our democracy will go to that,” Adeleke said.He added: “I can assure you, if we have an independent candidate who can come out, if I come out as an independent candidate, I will see a win.”