Osun poll: Adeleke warns against rigging, urges Tinubu to ensure peaceful election

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure a free, fair and peaceful governorship election in the state, warning that residents would resist any attempt to manipulate the August 15 poll.

 

Speaking during a campaign rally on Monday, Adeleke said the people of Osun were determined to vote and protect the integrity of their votes.

 

The governor, who described himself as the state’s Chief Security Officer, also expressed concern over the security situation ahead of the election, alleging that some police officers had been compromised.

 

“President Tinubu, I’m passing this message to you. What do you want Osun State to do? We have endorsed you; what more do you want us to do? Why are they killing us? The police have been compromised; let them go and confront kidnappers,” Adeleke said.

 

He urged the President to ensure that the governorship election is conducted without interference.

 

“I’m the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, and I’m passing this message to you that Osun will not accept any rigging. We will go out en masse to vote and defend our votes,” he added.

 

The governor also cautioned against a repeat of events similar to those surrounding the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election.

 

“Let’s not allow what happened in 1993 to repeat itself,” he said.

 

Adeleke further alleged that funds belonging to the state were being withheld and called on the President to address the situation.

 

He also urged President Tinubu to call the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to order, alleging that political violence in the state had resulted in loss of lives.

 

The Federal Government, the Presidency and the Nigeria Police Force had not responded to Adeleke’s latest remarks as of the time of filing this report.