Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure a free and fair governorship election in the state, warning that any attempt to manipulate the August 15 poll could trigger a political crisis similar to the violence that followed the disputed 1983 elections.
The governor gave the warning on Monday while addressing thousands of supporters at Orita-Sabo in Olorunda Local Government Area during a campaign rally ahead of the governorship election.
Adeleke alleges political intimidation
Adeleke accused leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun of sponsoring political violence and intimidation. He therefore urged President Tinubu to direct party leaders and security agencies to maintain neutrality throughout the election.
“Mr President, I want you to take note of my words. I am the Chief Security Officer of Osun. You are a Yoruba man and Osun is Yorubaland, yet your party chieftains are perpetrating political violence while you look the other way.”
Governor warns against election manipulation
The governor maintained that his administration was only demanding a transparent and credible election that truly reflects the will of the people.
He warned that any attempt to undermine the electoral process could recreate the political crisis that followed the disputed 1983 governorship election in Ondo State.
“Mr President, all we demand is a free and fair election. If anybody tries to do otherwise, the political crisis of 1983, when some people tried to rig Michael Ajasin in Ondo State out of power, may repeat itself again.”
Calls on Tinubu to intervene
Adeleke also alleged that some security agencies, particularly the police, were being used to harass political opponents. He appealed to the President to uphold the democratic principles he once fought for.
“Mr President, call your people to order. Call the police chiefs to order. I am the governor here, not any other person.”
He added that protecting the integrity of the election remains essential for preserving peace and democratic stability in Osun State.
Campaign council rallies voters
Earlier, the Director-General of the Imole Campaign Council, Senator Lere Oyewumi, urged residents to vote massively for Governor Adeleke’s re-election.
According to Oyewumi, Adeleke’s performance in office has earned him another term. He also encouraged voters to remain vigilant after casting their ballots.
“The good work of Governor Adeleke is enough reason for the people to return him to office. We urge all eligible voters to come out en masse, vote and protect their votes.”
Read also: Adeleke, Oyebamiji, 12 governorship candidates sign Osun peace accord ahead of August 15 poll
