Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun State, has stated that she is certain that voters will stand up for their democratic rights at the polls and that the state’s citizens will not be intimidated before the governorship election on August 15.
Adeleke stated that the Osun people had a long history of opposing injustice and would once again make sure that their collective will prevailed despite what he described as outside intervention in a message posted on his official X Twitter on Thursday.
“Throughout 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.
Additionally, the governor asserted that independent opinion polls indicated that the Accord Party will soon win, attributing the anticipated result to what he called his administration’s accomplishments.
He claims that improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, workers’ welfare, and pension changes have been made by his government.
“Independent polls consistently point to a clear and decisive victory for 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 coincide with increased political unrest in the state after Teslim Igbalaiye, the Secretary to the State Government, and five other people were detained by the Osun State Police Command on suspicion of electoral offenses.
The suspects were detained, according to the police, after a raid on Igbalaiye’s Osogbo home. after the raid, officers reportedly found N4.81 million, two Permanent Voter Cards, a voter registry, and other things thought to be connected to vote-buying and other electoral offenses.
The command emphasized that investigations were still underway and maintained that the arrests were supported by reliable intelligence.
The Adeleke Campaign Organization and the Osun State Government, on the other hand, denied the accusations and accused the police of making politically motivated arrests in order to intimidate opposition leaders before the election.
The campaign organization claimed that dozens of its followers had been arrested and jailed without a valid reason, while the state administration accused the police of breaking into the homes of many government officials without a search order.
The police refuted the accusations, claiming that the operation was carried out legally and that just six people were taken into custody.
