Nobody can rig Osun governorship election, says Adeleke

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has assured residents that the August 15 governorship election will be free and fair, insisting that no individual or group can manipulate or steal the people’s mandate.

Adeleke gave the assurance on Monday while addressing supporters of the Accord Party in Oke-Ila, the headquarters of Ifedayo Local Government Area of the state.

The governor dismissed claims by some politicians that the election could be rigged, describing such boasts as empty threats that would not stand.

“I heard some politicians vowing to steal the votes. Where and how? Osun votes are untouchable. This is Osun State, the heart of the Yoruba nation. Nobody can rig us out here,” he said.

He expressed confidence in the level of support his administration enjoys across the state, saying the people’s votes would be protected.

“We are going round the state and the people are trooping out. Their votes will be defended, and their will on August 15 will prevail. We are winning the people while they are chasing motor parks. We are connecting with the people while they are attacking them.

“Osun people are not intimidated. These attacks and threats have only strengthened their resolve. They are not cowards. They will vote and defend their votes. While we are reaching communities across the state, they are confined to their party secretariat,” Adeleke said.

The governor added that his administration’s performance in office would speak for itself at the polls.

“Our record speaks for us, while their record in office continues to haunt them. We have transformed our major towns and are extending development to rural communities,” he said.

Adeleke made similar remarks during visits to the palaces of the traditional rulers of Ora Igbomina and the Ajagunla of Ifagbamila, Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin.

Speaking during the visit, Oba Abolarin commended the governor for what he described as significant infrastructural and developmental strides across Osun State.

The monarch said Adeleke had lived up to his traditional title of Soludero of Oke-Ila by delivering good governance and democratic dividends to all parts of the state.

He urged the governor to consider establishing tourism and sporting facilities in Ifedayo Local Government if re-elected.

“Your Excellency, in your second term, Ifedayo can provide an ideal location for tourism and sporting facilities. The landscape and terrain are suitable for a sports academy, mountain hiking and tourism resorts,” the monarch said.

Addressing residents at the town hall, Adeleke urged voters not to sell their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) or votes, stressing the need for vigilance during the election.

“Do not sell your voter cards or your votes. Be vigilant and protect your votes. All rumours of rigging, violence and manipulation are nothing but fear-mongering. We will vote and we will win this election,” he said.

The rally was attended by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun; member representing Ifedayo/Boripe/Odo-Otin Federal Constituency, Hon. Clement Akanni Olohunwa; and member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Kasope Abolarin.

Other dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Director-General of the Imole Campaign, Hon. Kolapo Alimi; Senior Adviser to the campaign, Hon. Sunday Bisi; Accord State Chairman, Hon. Victor Akande; Osun Central Senatorial candidate, Hon. Ganiyu Olaoluwa; and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun Yusuf.

The governor was received in Ifedayo by senior government officials, including the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, and the Special Adviser to the Governor, Hon. Femi Adefila, among others.