Osun People Won’t Bow to Intimidation Ahead of Governorship Poll

Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, has declared that the people of the state will not succumb to intimidation ahead of the August 15 governorship election, expressing confidence that voters will defend their democratic rights at the polls.

In a post shared on his official X handle on Thursday, Adeleke said Osun residents have a long history of resisting oppression and would once again ensure that their collective will prevails despite what he described as external interference.

“Throughout the history of Osun State, our people have never bowed to intimidation. We are resilient, determined, and fiercely protective of our rights.

“As we approach the August 15 governorship election, I have absolute confidence that no amount of external interference or intimidation can override the collective will of the people of Osun State. The verdict of the people will prevail,” he wrote.

The governor also claimed that independent opinion polls projected a clear victory for the Accord Party, attributing the expected outcome to the achievements of his administration.

According to Adeleke, his government has made significant progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare and pension reforms.

“Independent polls consistently point to a clear and decisive victory for Accord Party because the people can see and feel the impact of our administration. From infrastructure and education to healthcare, workers’ welfare and pension reforms, our record speaks for itself.

“By the grace of God and with the continued support of the good people of Osun, our second term will build on these achievements and deliver even greater progress for every community. The best days of Osun are still ahead.

“Let’s remain united and vigilant. Vote Accord and be prepared to defend your votes,” he added.

His remarks come amid heightened political tension in the state following the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaiye, and five others by the Osun State Police Command over alleged electoral offences.

Police said the suspects were arrested during a raid on Igbalaiye’s residence in Osogbo, where officers reportedly recovered ₦4.81 million, two Permanent Voter Cards, a voter register and other items believed to be linked to alleged vote-buying and related offences.

The command maintained that the arrests were based on credible intelligence and said investigations are ongoing.

However, the Osun State Government and the Adeleke Campaign Organisation rejected the allegations, accusing the police of carrying out politically motivated arrests intended to intimidate opposition figures ahead of the election.

The state government further alleged that security operatives invaded the residences of several government officials without search warrants, while the campaign organisation claimed dozens of its supporters had been arrested and detained unlawfully.

The police denied those allegations, insisting that only six suspects were arrested and that the operation was conducted in accordance with the law.