Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has dismissed concerns over alleged plans to rig the August 15 governorship election, assuring residents that his political movement would secure a resounding victory despite what he described as scaremongering and intimidation by opponents.

The governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, in a statement issued on Sunday, quoted Adeleke as saying that all necessary measures had been put in place to ensure that voters freely exercise their franchise and that every valid vote counts.

According to the governor, Osun people should ignore rumours of election manipulation, political violence and threats ahead of the poll, insisting that those spreading fear have only strengthened the determination of the electorate to sustain the current administration.

“We shall win convincingly and we shall be declared winners with wide margins. Our people are determined to protect their votes and ensure free, fair and credible elections within the ambit of the law,” Adeleke said.

The governor maintained that no individual or institution would be allowed to deny Osun residents their constitutional right to choose their leaders, stressing that stakeholders across the state were committed to safeguarding the electoral process before, during and after the election.

“We are the cradle of the Yoruba nation. We are the ancestral state of Mr President. No security or electoral official will dare attempt to set Osun State on fire. No federal official will contemplate rigging the forthcoming election in Osun State,” he stated.

Adeleke further disclosed that his political movement remained open to new entrants, calling on politicians and other stakeholders across party lines to join what he described as a broad-based coalition committed to the development of the state.

“Our candidature is beyond party lines. Ours is a pan-Osun movement, a rainbow coalition to ensure the final exit of the state from underdevelopment. Our doors are open for new members to join our party.

“I call on politicians and non-political stakeholders to join me in Accord ahead of August 15. It is better to abandon a sinking ship and join the light which my candidature represents,” the governor said.

He added that his administration would continue to focus on governance while remaining vigilant against any attempt to undermine the democratic process in the state.