Our attention has been drawn to a malicious, misleading and baseless rumour being circulated in some quarters and on social media alleging that the name of Hon. Tomisin Edu-Falade has been replaced by that of Hon. Ologede as the candidate of our great party for Akure North Constituency in the Ondo State House of Assembly.
For the avoidance of doubt, we wish to state categorically that Hon. Tomisin Edu-Falade remains the candidate produced through the party’s duly conducted primary process. There has been no basis for anyone to replace her mandate through social media speculation, anonymous claims or political propaganda.
We therefore urge members of the public, particularly the good people of Akure North, to disregard the rumour and rely only on official communication from the appropriate party authorities on matters concerning the candidacy.
THE MANDATE WAS GIVEN THROUGH A CREDIBLE PRIMARY
Hon. Tomisin Edu-Falade did not emerge through imposition or political manipulation. She emerged through a primary process in which duly accredited party delegates exercised their democratic right to choose their preferred candidate.
That mandate deserves to be respected.
Since her emergence, Hon. Edu-Falade has continued to engage stakeholders across Akure North, including community leaders, youths, women, farmers, traders, professionals and other critical groups.
Her growing acceptance among the people reflects her accessibility, commitment and willingness to listen.
Those attempting to create the impression that a legitimate political mandate can simply disappear through social media posts and unverified claims are only creating unnecessary confusion where none exists.
WHY THE RUMOUR NOW?
The timing of this rumour raises serious questions.
At a time when Hon. Tomisin Edu-Falade is strengthening her relationship with the people and building a broad-based political movement across Akure North, certain individuals appear determined to manufacture uncertainty and division.
But they have miscalculated.
Akure North is too politically sophisticated to be deceived by social media propaganda.
If there has been any genuine development concerning the party’s candidate, the responsible thing is for the appropriate party authority to communicate such development through recognised and official channels.
Anonymous sources, WhatsApp messages and social media speculation cannot substitute for official party communication.
EDU-FALADE’S ACCEPTANCE SPEAKS FOR ITSELF
Hon. Tomisin Edu-Falade has continued to demonstrate her commitment to the people through consultation, engagement and a clear vision for effective representation.
Her focus on youth empowerment, education, women and farmers, support for small businesses, improved healthcare and inclusive representation reflects the aspirations of the people she seeks to serve.
Political mandates are not sustained by rumours.
They are sustained by trust, engagement, acceptance and the confidence of the people.
Those behind this latest attempt at creating confusion should therefore stop hiding behind unnamed sources and produce verifiable facts if they have any.
Rumour is not a substitute for due process.
We remain committed to internal democracy, party discipline, peaceful political engagement and respect for the rules governing our great party.
OUR MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF AKURE NORTH
We call on the people of Akure North to remain calm, united and vigilant.
Do not allow political jobbers to divide the constituency through unverified information.
Verify before you believe. Confirm before you circulate.
The people of Akure North deserve representation based on competence, character, accessibility and service, not manipulation, propaganda and political confusion.
Until there is a contrary official communication from the competent authority, Hon. Tomisin Edu-Falade remains the duly elected candidate produced by the party’s primary process for Akure North Constituency.
Akure North will not be distracted.
Signed:
Hon. Olasupo Olakunori Michael
DG, Opomulero
