Osun poll: Be bold, fearless, come out to vote, Adeleke urges electorate

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged residents of the state to come out en masse and vote in the August 15 governorship election, assuring them that the outcome of the poll would be determined by the people’s votes.

 

Speaking at a political rally in Ipetumodu after commissioning the 10.4-kilometre Edunabon–Tonkere Road in Ife North Local Government Area, Adeleke urged the electorate not to be intimidated ahead of the election.

 

“Do not succumb to intimidation or fear as we head to the election. Go out and cast your vote for me again.

 

“We know that Osun belongs to us. You must be bold, be fearless, and nothing will happen to you,” the governor said.

 

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke also called on Nigerians and security agencies to uphold democratic values and ensure a peaceful electoral process.

 

The governor expressed concern over alleged acts of violence and voter intimidation ahead of the election and urged security agencies to discharge their duties professionally.

 

“We must defend democracy. If we truly want to practise democracy, then we must practise it the right way.

 

“It is not that we are afraid, but we are deliberately choosing peace. They do not want us to vote, but we will use our votes to express our democratic choice. Do not be intimidated or afraid,” he said.

 

Earlier, Adeleke commissioned the 10.4-kilometre Edunabon–Tonkere Road, which the state government said ended more than four decades of neglect and restored a critical road network linking several communities in Ife North Local Government Area.

 

Following the commissioning, the governor held a town hall meeting with traditional rulers from the local government area, where the monarchs commended his administration for delivering infrastructure projects and fulfilling campaign promises.

 

Speaking on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Alakinlalu of Akinlalu lauded Adeleke’s commitment to development.

 

“When you came and made this promise to us, no one believed you would accomplish what you have done for us today,” the monarch said.