OSUN RESIDENTS WON’T BE INTIMIDATED, ADELEKE DECLARES

Read Time:2 Minute, 20 Second

By:Tajudeen Aminat

Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, has said the people of the state will not be intimidated ahead of the August 15 governorship election, expressing confidence that voters will protect their democratic mandate at the polls.

In a post on his official X account on Thursday, Adeleke said Osun residents had a longstanding tradition of resisting oppression and would once again ensure that their collective decision prevailed despite what he described as external interference.

“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 also expressed confidence that the Accord Party would win the election, citing independent opinion polls and the performance of his administration.

According to Adeleke, his government has made significant strides in infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare and pension reforms.

“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,” he added.

Adeleke’s remarks come amid heightened political tension in the state following the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaiye, and five others by the Osun State Police Command over alleged electoral offences.

Police said the suspects were apprehended during a raid on Igbalaiye’s residence in Osogbo, where officers reportedly recovered ₦4.81 million, two Permanent Voter Cards, a voter register and other items suspected to be linked to vote-buying and other electoral offences.

The command said the arrests were based on credible intelligence and stressed that investigations were ongoing.

However, the Osun State Government and the Adeleke Campaign Organisation rejected the allegations, accusing the police of carrying out politically motivated arrests aimed at intimidating opposition members ahead of the election.

The state government alleged that security operatives raided the homes of several government officials without search warrants, while the campaign organisation claimed that dozens of its supporters had been unlawfully arrested and detained.

The police denied the allegations, insisting that only six suspects were arrested and that the operation was conducted in accordance with the law.