Candidates in Saturday’s Osun State governorship election have expressed confidence in their chances of winning while outlining their plans for the state.

Speaking at the Arise Townhall Meeting in Osogbo, the major candidates, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord, APC candidate Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, ADC candidate Najeem Salaam and AAC candidate Olajide Esan said they were confident of victory if the election was free and fair.

Adeleke, who spoke first, said he was not intimidated by the Federal Government or governors supporting Oyebamiji. Describing himself as a “bulldozer,” he said he was prepared to face what he called federal might.

The governor highlighted his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, healthcare and agriculture, including the construction of about 350 kilometres of roads and the rehabilitation of about 200 health centres. He also said his government had purchased 31 tractors and provided agricultural inputs to farmers.

Adeleke also said more than 1,500 personnel had been recruited and trained for the Amotekun security outfit. He urged voters to remain peaceful, protect their votes and ensure their ballots were counted.

Oyebamiji, however, dismissed claims that the Federal Government would use its influence to secure his victory. He said his priorities would include security, welfare, agriculture, education and healthcare, with the aim of reducing hunger and poverty across the state.

The APC candidate also accused Adeleke’s administration of failing to account for the resources it had received, including about N650 billion in federal allocations. He said the immediate past administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola left about N15 billion for its successor, disputing claims that Adeleke inherited an empty treasury.

Meanwhile, ADC candidate Najeem Salaam said he would build on the achievements of previous administrations while addressing gaps in governance. He promised a people-centred government and pledged to tackle political violence and thuggery in the state.

AAC candidate Olajide Esan said his priority would be to return governance to the people. He proposed an Osun Residents Database to improve government planning and a financial dashboard that would allow residents to monitor public spending and demand accountability.

With the election approaching, the candidates have continued to campaign on different visions for Osun, while urging voters to support their respective programmes.