The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has challenged recent assurances from opposition figures regarding the credibility of the forthcoming governorship election, urging voters to remain alert against any attempt to manipulate the August 15 poll.
Governor Adeleke’s comments came in response to statements attributed to the Bola Oyebamiji, the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who had pledged support for a free and fair electoral process in the state.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Osogbo by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke described the declarations from APC leaders as an apparent attempt to distance themselves from earlier comments and social media posts allegedly suggesting federal influence could determine the election outcome.
“The recent statements by the opposition figures should not reduce the alertness of residents and voters across the state as preparations continue for the governorship contest scheduled for August,” the governor said.
He questioned the sudden shift in tone by the APC candidate and his supporters, asking, “What now changed that the APC candidate suddenly embraced the language of free and fair elections? Why was the minister echoing the same line after earlier signals suggesting otherwise?”
Adeleke called for those involved in previous remarks to apologise to the people of Osun for what he described as threats to override the democratic choice of voters. He also alleged that some campaign operatives linked to the opposition had circulated posts warning of potential use of federal power to influence the poll, a development he said had caused concern among residents and political stakeholders.
The governor urged the public to remain watchful, stressing that attempts to retract prior comments did not erase worries over possible electoral interference. He also called on federal institutions and security agencies to maintain neutrality, ensuring all parties operate on an equal footing during the election.
Commuting civic groups and local political organisers who had begun voter mobilisation, Adeleke praised residents for taking steps to safeguard the integrity of the election at ward and community levels.
“Myself, my team and my party are committed to mobilisation for a free and fair contest in which the votes of the people must count at all costs. The election should remain peaceful and free from intimidation or electoral malpractice,” he said.
Governor Adeleke’s remarks underline ongoing tensions ahead of the Osun governorship election, highlighting the importance of vigilance, impartial oversight, and active civic engagement to ensure a credible democratic process.
