Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has described 2026 as a year of victory and prosperity, charging residents of the state to embrace electoral vigilance and active civic participation ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.

The governor, in a New Year message issued on Thursday, said the year presents a defining moment for the people of Osun to defend democracy and ensure that their votes count. The statement was signed by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

According to Rasheed, Adeleke expressed gratitude to God for the successes recorded in 2025 despite what he described as externally induced challenges, noting that the new year would usher in liberation from obstacles hindering the delivery of good governance and democratic dividends in the state.

“The governor described 2025 as a challenging year due to constraints beyond the control of the state but expressed optimism that 2026 would mark freedom from forces impeding progress and development in Osun,” Rasheed said.

Adeleke urged residents to pray for a peaceful and credible electoral process, warning against attempts by what he termed “dark forces” to plunge the state into chaos ahead of the August 2026 governorship poll.

“2026 is a defining year for Osun State. Election is not war but the exercise of sovereignty by the people. Any attempt to deny citizens their right to vote is an assault on democracy,” the governor was quoted as saying in the statement.

He added that those seeking power through hardship and what he described as illegal seizure of Osun funds would be rejected at the polls, insisting that there was no shortcut to power in a true democracy.

“Osun people will use their votes to punish those behind policies and actions that inflict suffering on them. Votes and voices remain the only legitimate route to leadership,” Adeleke said.

Reaffirming his commitment to good governance, the governor called on citizens and residents to rise in defence of their constitutional rights and protect their votes.

He also expressed confidence of victory in the forthcoming election, vowing to secure re-election by winning in more than 28 of the 30 local government areas of the state.

“We are determined to secure another victory at the August 2026 polls. Our strength lies in God and the people we have served faithfully over the last three years,” Adeleke said.

The statement assured residents of the governor’s continued resolve to deliver quality governance and democratic dividends across the state.