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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared that no amount of intimidation or external interference will stop the people of the state from freely choosing their next governor, expressing confidence that the electorate’s mandate will prevail in the August 15 governorship election.
The governor made the declaration in a post on Thursday amid growing political tension following the detention of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, by operatives of the Nigeria Police over alleged vote-buying.
Igbalaye was reportedly arrested on Wednesday night alongside five others after police raided his private residence in Osogbo.
According to the Osun State Police Command, officers recovered N4.8 million in cash and several electoral materials from the residence.
In a statement, the command’s spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, said the exhibits included a Dynabook laptop, a photocopier, a printer, two voter cards, and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.
He said the recovery of the cash and voters’ register had raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.
Although Adeleke did not directly address the SSG’s arrest, he insisted that intimidation would not weaken the resolve of Osun residents ahead of the election.
“Throughout the history of Osun State, our people have never bowed to intimidation. We are resilient, determined, and fiercely protective of our rights,” the governor said.
“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.”
Adeleke maintained that his administration’s performance would earn it another term in office, saying independent opinion polls indicated strong public support.
“Independent polls consistently point to a clear and decisive victory for Accord Party, because the people can see and feel the impact.”
He highlighted achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare and pension reforms as evidence of his administration’s performance.
“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 governor urged his supporters to remain united, participate in the election and protect their votes.
The development comes amid heightened political tension in the state, with supporters of Adeleke, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party, and the All Progressives Congress (APC) exchanging accusations ahead of the poll.
Earlier, the Osun State Government condemned what it described as coordinated police raids on the residences of the SSG and six commissioners.
Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, alleged that operatives of the state police command carried out what he described as “systematic invasion, attacks and bursting” of the officials’ homes.
He condemned the operations as “Gestapo-style” raids, describing them as “an aggravated assault on the government and people of Osun State” and warning that such actions posed “a grave danger” to Nigeria’s democracy.
