In what was seen as a shock move by many, a candidate for the Osun gubernatorial elections, Iyiola Omisore, announced that his party is forming a coalition with the APC in the state.
Omisore is running under the SDP.
In a letter which he personally signed, the candidate explained why he was willing to join forces with APC, stating that the APC was willing to adopt its manifestoes
Omisore stated in the letter: “Our decision to form a coalition government is based on a party that is ready to work with SDP to adopt and implement the core values of our party which is social justice, equity and good governance.”
Omisore said, “The PDP and APC parties have approached us for coalition based on our performance and grassroots network, especially in the seven units earmarked for rerun.
“Our core values and philosophies as indicated in our SDP manifestos, ‘Restoration Agenda,’ have all been presented to the APC and PDP representatives who have approached us for support and formation of a coalition government,”
He hit on some of the points in which the SDP and APC were able to join issues, including “Professionalism and Performance in the Public Sector,” which by interpretation, “Workers must be motivated and trained; Payment of the accumulated salaries; Pensions and arrears within the first three months of the administration; to be followed by payment of full salary to all categories of workers.”
Speaking to the Tribune, Omisore confirmed that he would indeed work with APC and that this was after due consultations with all SDP members is all the 30 local government areas in Osun State: “Since the seven areas where the election rerun would take place is SDP’s stronghold, we won in those areas, and we have agreed to work with the APC who has accepted our proposals and ensure that the party wins in the election,”