Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to guarantee a free, fair and credible governorship election in the state, warning against a repeat of the political crisis that followed the controversial 1983 elections.
Addressing supporters during a campaign rally in Osogbo ahead of the August 15 governorship poll, Adeleke alleged that his supporters were facing intimidation and attacks, urging the President to ensure security agencies remain impartial throughout the election.
The governor referenced the disputed 1983 governorship election involving the late Bola Ige, saying Nigeria must avoid repeating events that undermined public confidence in democracy.
Adeleke also appealed to Tinubu to direct security agencies to focus on tackling insecurity rather than allegedly harassing political opponents. He maintained that Osun voters would defend their votes peacefully and expressed confidence of victory if the election was conducted transparently.
In a related development, Adeleke’s campaign organisation submitted a petition to the National Human Rights Commission, accusing the police of politically motivated arrests and intimidation of its supporters ahead of the poll. The campaign called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure a peaceful and credible election.
The Accord Party also described the Osun governorship election as a crucial test of the Independent National Electoral Commission ahead of the 2027 general election, urging the electoral body and security agencies to remain neutral and ensure every lawful vote counts.
Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, criticised Adeleke’s administration over its management of increased federal allocations, arguing that the state had not seen commensurate development despite improved revenues.
Oyebamiji unveiled a 100-day agenda focused on workers’ welfare, infrastructure, youth empowerment, security, healthcare and economic development, promising to review outstanding workers’ entitlements and implement key development projects if elected.
The APC National Campaign Council, led by Hope Uzodimma, also reaffirmed its commitment to securing victory in the August 15 governorship election, directing party committees to intensify campaign efforts across the state.
