ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed confidence that he will secure a second term in office if the August 15 governorship election is conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner.
Speaking during his re-election campaign rally in Osogbo on Monday, Adeleke said he remained optimistic of victory, insisting that the will of the people would prevail if the electoral process was not compromised.
“With God on my side, I am confident of victory. If this election is free and fair, I will win,” the governor declared.
Adeleke also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure security agencies, particularly the Nigeria Police Force, remain professional and impartial throughout the election.
The governor alleged that supporters of his party were being attacked and killed, urging the President to intervene to prevent further violence and safeguard the credibility of the poll.
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“Mr President, something is happening in Osun that you need to know. Our people are being killed and, as our father, we are appealing to you.”
He warned against any attempt to manipulate the election, stressing that the people of Osun would resist efforts to undermine their democratic rights.
According to him, President Tinubu, who was widely recognised for his role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle, should not allow the electoral process in Osun to be tainted by intimidation or violence.
“We will not accept any attempt to rig this election. Direct the police to act professionally and impartially. You fought for democracy, and I urge you not to allow anyone to destroy it.”
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Adeleke further noted that the international community would closely monitor the conduct of the election, describing the Osun governorship poll as an important indicator of Nigeria’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections.
According to Vanguard, the governor urged residents of the state to participate actively in the election by coming out in large numbers to cast their votes and remain peaceful while protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
“I urge all our supporters to come out on August 15 and vote for me. Stand by your votes until the results are declared. I am ready for this election, and on election day, our revolution will be through the ballot box”, he said.
The August 15 governorship election is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most closely watched off-cycle polls, with political observers viewing it as a significant test of the country’s electoral institutions and a possible indicator of the political climate ahead of the 2027 general elections.