Salinsile, the chairman of the APC faction supported by Aregbesola, has alleged intimidation of members of the group ahead of the primary.

Salinsile, who spoke at a press conference held at Oranmiyan House, Osogbo, alleged that a member of the group, Rasidi Opatola, from Modakeke, had been arrested by the police.

He also said a former Assistant Chief of Staff during the Aregbesola administration, Jimoh Akano, was invited by the police.

He said, “38 buses filled with suspected hoodlums and led by security agents had entered Osogbo. We call on the security agencies to be alive to their responsibility and ensure the safety of lives and property.

“The thugs were conveyed into the state in 38 vehicles at the early hour of today, Friday.

“The vehicles were escorted by a police van into the state through Abere. The governor and his faction, Ileri Oluwa, plan to unleash an attack on members of the party who are loyalists of the Aregbesola in tomorrow’s primary.”

Also speaking, the candidate of the group, Moshood Adeoti, alleged that the poll might not be free because of Oyetola’s membership of the National Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Planning Committee of the APC.

He said Oyetola’s membership of the caretaker committee was in violation of the provision of Article 31(iii) of the APC constitution (2014) as amended.

Adeoti also queried the changing of the date for the primary from March 5 to February 19.

Despite the perceived anomalies, Adeoti said his supporters would not boycott the exercise.

He also alleged the refusal of the party to release the register of party members that would be used for the primary saying, “If there is no deliberate attempt to manipulate the primary process, it is important to make the membership register available, display it for claims and objections before using it for tomorrow’s primary election or any time it will come up.”

Adeoti said, “We have it on good authority that the NCECPC was influenced by Oyetola to reverse the date to have the primary before the National Convention coming up on February 26, 2022.

“It is believed that Oyetola is afraid of contesting a free and fair primary election to be conducted by an objective committee after the convention.

“In the spirit of fair play, objectivity and natural justice, Governor Oyetola is not supposed to remain in the membership of the NCECPC. What we are witnessing is a case of a thief adjudicating his own case. He can never convict himself.

“My supporters and I are going to participate in the primary election tomorrow. We are not going to boycott. I want to urge all APC members to go to their collation centres in their various wards to vote for me.

“I called on the security agencies in the state to provide adequate security for our people. As said earlier, the governor’s camp is planning violence, but we are resolute and believe that the security agents will act responsibly.”

Don’t Be Intimidated, We’re Fully On Ground, Oyetola Tells Supporters

Meanwhile, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, and the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, have reiterated their support for Oyetola.

They said they were resolute to work for his success in the forthcoming governorship election.

The monarchs assured him of their royal backing before, during and after the July 16 governorship election in the State.

This is even as the governor rounded off his strategic engagement tour across the nine Federal Constituencies of the State in Osogbo, the State capital, on Thursday night.

Governor Oyetola had in the last three weeks embarked on a familiarisation visit to each of the 30 Local Government Areas, to identify and solidarity with the newly-elected executives of the APC, in the state.

Receiving the governor in his palace, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, threw his weight behind Oyetola who he described as a promise keeper.

Ataoja said, “You are doing well for all the four towns in Osogbo Traditional Council. I have been sent to commend you for all you have been doing to transform Osun State and give it a new development facelift.

“You have been doing well. You were part of the previous administration where Osogbo was progressing. Our thought was that it would end there when the former administration came to an end.

“But when you came on board, the progress was marvellous. For whatever reason, we will not leave you; we shall continue to be with you.

“We know you are not a noisemaker but a great doer, a performer and a reformer whose passion for the people’s welfare is second to none. You have indeed written your name in the sand of time and your imprints will continue to live forever after your eight years in office.

“One doesn’t need to be told about your monumental achievements across sectors because they are clear enough for the blind to see and audible enough for the deaf to hear.

“Waiting for you till this time since morning is an attestation to the fact that you are a good man. If you are not doing well for us, we won’t wait for you for this long. We have resolved to continue to vote for you. We shall continue to support you. You are doing well.

“You are a promise keeper. I can’t explain how much you have been good to us but I know that God in His infinite mercy will not forsake you but strengthen you and imbue you with more knowledge and wisdom to continue to paddle the ship of our State to the promised land.

“So no matter what the people say, you are the best choice for us at the moment. I am not afraid of anyone except God. You have been answerable to our requests. I am assuring you not to panic.

“Though I don’t have a command over the electorate, I am confident in God that they will support you and vote for you in the next governorship election and you will be returned elected by God’s grace.”

In the same vein, Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, acknowledged the achievements of the administration of Oyetola, which he described as unprecedented in the history of the State.

Oba Olaniyan who implored the governor to remain steadfast and not be distracted, said, “We are solidly behind you and we are ready to mobilise our subjects to re-elect you.

“I greet you and welcome you warmly into Olobu’s palace. You have never disappointed me and the entire traditional rulers in the state. Coming to my palace is just a necessity to fulfil all righteousness.

“We are aware of the happenings around, particularly within the political class but we are firm and resolute in God because we know that your ambition is God’s promise.

“I urge you to continue the good works you have been doing. All that has been happening is just for you to know God the more. He knows us beyond our imagination. You will continue to rise. You will get there. You will win by the grace of God.

“God will fight for you, your prayers will be answered. You have been doing great for the state. God will reward your good works. You have been so good to me. Please put your mind at rest,” Olobu added.

While addressing the people at the various places visited, Oyetola expressed gratitude to the monarchs and party leaders and members for always being there for him and his government. He promised not to let them down.

“What I have seen here is a sign that we have people, not crowd. It is a sign that by the grace of God we have won. I have visited 30 Local Government Areas and Area Offices, and I did this to let you know how important you are to us.

“We know you are for us. If I may ask, where have those that are contesting gone to? Our visits across the state are signs of seriousness and avowed commitment to ensuring that we consolidate on the good works that God has been helping us to do.

“So, I want you to put your mind at rest. Don’t allow anything or anyone to intimidate you. We are fully on the ground and we shall do everything within the ambit of the law to protect the state and ensure unending peace before, during and after the polls.

“Please, go out in large numbers on Saturday with your membership slips to vote for us, and I assure you that we will not disappoint you”, Oyetola added.