Osun 2026: I’ll declare state of emergency in agriculture if elected — ZLP’s Adesuyi

The Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) governorship candidate for the August 8 election in Osun State, Engr. John Olufemi Adesuyi, has pledged to declare a state of emergency in the agricultural sector if elected governor.

Adesuyi made the promise while speaking with journalists during the unveiling of the party’s manifesto in Osogbo over the weekend. He said agriculture would be central to his administration’s economic revival plan, describing Osun as a predominantly agrarian state that has been neglected by successive governments.

According to him, the current administration has failed to revive the state’s economy, instead focusing on policies aimed at generating revenue for government officials rather than improving the welfare of the people. He described such policies as anti-people and unsustainable.

Adesuyi said his government would prioritise agriculture as a catalyst for economic growth, job creation and food security, noting that his administration plans to create no fewer than 50,000 jobs in the agricultural sector if elected.

The ZLP candidate also outlined other key pillars of his manifesto, including digital transformation of Osun businesses, support for small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurs, empowerment of women and youths, and inclusive development across all local governments in the state.

On the party’s strength, Adesuyi said the ZLP has functional structures across the 30 local government areas, including the Modakeke Area Office. He added that the party recorded votes across the state in the last governorship election, unlike what he described as the “so-called big political parties.”

He urged residents of Osun State to reject vote-buying, describing the practice as a major obstacle to credible elections. Adesuyi said the ZLP would embark on a statewide sensitisation campaign to discourage vote-buying and promote issue-based politics.