The governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has declared that the state’s people would not be intimidated ahead of the August 15 governorship election, and he is confident that voters will preserve their democratic rights.
In a post uploaded on his official X feed on Thursday, Adeleke stated that the Osun people have a long history of opposing injustice and will once again ensure that their collective will prevails despite what he regarded as external intervention.
“Throughout the history of Osun State, our people have never bowed to intimidation. We are resilient, determined, and fiercely protective of our rights.
“As we approach the August 15 governorship election, I have absolute confidence that no amount of external interference or intimidation can override the collective will of the people of Osun State. The verdict of the people will prevail,” he wrote.
The governor further claimed that independent opinion polls predicted an upcoming victory for the Accord Party, citing his administration’s achievements.
According to him, his government has made strides in infrastructure, education, healthcare, worker welfare, and pension reform.
“Independent polls consistently point to a clear and decisive victory for the Accord Party because the people can see and feel the impact of our administration. From infrastructure and education to healthcare, workers’ welfare, and pension reforms, our record speaks for itself.
“By the grace of God and with the continued support of the good people of Osun, our second term will build on these achievements and deliver even greater progress for every community. The best days of Osun are still ahead.
“Let’s remain united and vigilant. Vote Accord and be prepared to defend your votes,” Adeleke added.
His remarks came amid rising political tensions in the state, following the arrest of the secretary to the state government, Teslim Igbalaiye, and five others by the Osun State Police Command for alleged electoral offenses.
Police said the suspects were apprehended after a raid on Igbalaiye’s home in Osogbo, where officers allegedly discovered N4.81 million, two Permanent Voter Cards, a voter registry, and other things suspected of vote-buying and other electoral offenses.
The command claimed that the arrests were made on legitimate intelligence and that investigations were ongoing.
However, the Osun State Government and the Adeleke Campaign Organization denied the charges, accusing the police of conducting politically motivated arrests to intimidate opposition individuals ahead of the election.
The state administration stated that the police raided the homes of many government officials without a search warrant, while the campaign organization claimed that scores of its followers had been arrested and jailed without legal basis.
The police refuted the allegations, stating that just six people were apprehended and that the operation was carried out in accordance with the law.
