By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Monday made a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to personally intervene in the growing political tension in Osun State ahead of the August 15 governorship election, warning that the state must not be allowed to descend into the type of political violence that characterised the 1983 crisis in the old Oyo State.
The governor, who addressed thousands of supporters during a campaign rally in Osogbo, said the President, as the father of the nation and one of the country’s foremost pro-democracy figures, has a historic responsibility to ensure that democracy is protected and that the people of Osun are allowed to freely choose their next governor.
Adeleke’s appeal came amid heightened political activities across the state, allegations of politically motivated arrests, increasing accusations among political parties, and concerns over security as campaigns enter their final phase before the governorship poll.
Addressing President Tinubu directly, the governor pleaded with him not to allow history to repeat itself.
“President Bola Tinubu, something is happening in Osun State that you need to know. Our people are being killed, and as our father, we are appealing to you. We will not accept any attempt to rig this election.
“You will remember what happened in 1983. It started in Yorubaland, particularly in Ondo State, when Chief Bola Ige was allegedly cheated. We do not want history to repeat itself. What we want is a free, fair, and credible election.
“Mr. President, I am passing this message directly to you. We have publicly endorsed you for the 2027 presidential election. What more do you want from us? Why then are our people being killed? The police have been compromised. They should concentrate on tackling the kidnappers and other criminals troubling your administration instead of intimidating innocent people.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I am telling you that our people will come out en masse to vote, and we will protect our votes. Once again, I appeal to you: do not allow what happened in 1983 to happen again in Osun State.
“The Accord Party has also endorsed you as its presidential candidate. Why then are we being subjected to this hardship? Why is our money being withheld?
“Former Governor Gboyega Oyetola needs to be called to order. Mr. President, you fought for democracy; do not allow your brother to undermine it. Oyetola is responsible for the crisis within the APC in Osun State because he is fighting everyone and making enemies daily. He is no longer the governor of this state.
“With God on my side, I am confident of victory. If this election is free and fair, I will win.
“I therefore call on President Tinubu to rise to his responsibility. Do not allow innocent people to be killed. Direct the police to act professionally and impartially. The international community is watching, and this election will be seen as a test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“You fought for democracy, and I urge you not to allow anyone to destroy it. Oyetola is disrupting governance in Osun State and targeting political leaders, including Senator Francis Fadahunsi and Honourable Oluwole Oke.
“Finally, 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 August 15, our revolution will be through the ballot box.
“President Tinubu, I am passing this message to you. Please don’t allow a repeat of the political crisis of 1983. Let the people of Osun vote freely and let their votes count. Osun people will never accept election rigging.”
He said the memories of the 1983 political crisis remain fresh in the minds of many Nigerians, warning that every responsible leader must work to prevent any situation capable of threatening peace in the state.
According to him, democracy thrives only where elections are free, transparent and accepted by the electorate.
The governor noted that President Tinubu earned national recognition through his commitment to the struggle for democracy and should therefore ensure that democratic principles are upheld in Osun.
“You fought for democracy. You understand the sacrifices that many Nigerians made to restore democratic rule. That is why I am appealing to you to ensure that democracy is protected in Osun. Please don’t allow our state to descend into crisis.”
Adeleke described himself as the Chief Security Officer of Osun State and said he could not remain silent in the face of rising political tension and reports of violence.
“As the Chief Security Officer of this state, my responsibility is to protect lives and property. That is why I am appealing to Mr. President to ensure that peace reigns in Osun before, during and after the governorship election.”
The governor alleged that the political atmosphere had become increasingly tense, with reports of intimidation and attacks on members of his party.
He also expressed concern over allegations by the Accord Party that several of its members had been marked for arrest and possible transfer to Abuja ahead of the election.
According to him, such developments could create fear among voters and undermine public confidence in the electoral process if not properly addressed.
Adeleke called on all security agencies to remain professional and avoid actions capable of creating the impression of political bias.
“I appeal to you to call the police and every other security agency to order. Their constitutional responsibility is to protect lives and property, not to intimidate innocent citizens or political opponents. Let them remain neutral and professional.”
He further appealed to the President to prevail on the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, Senator Francis Fadahunsi and former member of the House of Representatives, Wole Oke, urging them to encourage peaceful conduct among their supporters.
“Please call Oyetola, Senator Fadahunsi and Honourable Wole Oke to order. Let everyone embrace peace. Politics should unite our people, not divide them or result in violence.”
The governor lamented what he described as politically related killings recorded in recent weeks, saying elections should never become a reason for bloodshed.
“Many people have been killed in recent weeks. Nobody deserves to lose his or her life because of politics. Elections should not become a reason for violence.”
Adeleke also revisited the 2018 Osun governorship election, maintaining that he won the election before it was declared inconclusive by the Independent National Electoral Commission.
According to him, the events that followed led to years of legal battles before the court
The governor disclosed that he travelled to the United States while the legal process was ongoing, expressing gratitude that the judiciary eventually resolved the dispute.
“What happened in 2018 should never happen again. I won that election, but my mandate was taken away. I travelled to the United States while the legal battle continued. Eventually, justice prevailed. I appeal to you, Mr. President, to ensure that the August 15 election is free, fair and credible.”
He stressed that the forthcoming governorship election presents another opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its commitment to democratic governance.
According to Adeleke, the election is attracting both national and international attention, making it imperative for all stakeholders to conduct themselves responsibly.
“The whole world is watching. International observers are watching Nigeria. The conduct of this election will send a message about the strength of our democracy.”
The governor also referred to the prolonged dispute over local government allocations to Osun State, saying the state had already endured significant financial hardship.
“Our local government allocations were withheld and we have endured enough hardship. We do not want additional suffering through political violence. Let peace prevail and let democracy take its natural course.”
Adeleke said despite the challenges confronting his administration, his government had continued to execute projects across infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment and social development.
He said those achievements had strengthened his confidence that the electorate would renew his mandate.
“I know I will win this governorship election because of the developmental strides of my administration. The people have seen what we have done across the state. I have confidence in the judgment of the people.”
The governor maintained that he was relying entirely on the votes of the people rather than any form of manipulation.
“I believe in democracy. I believe in the people. Every lawful vote must count.”
He also appealed to his supporters to remain peaceful throughout the election period and to resist every form of provocation.
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“Do not fight anyone. Remain peaceful. Our strength is in our votes, not in violence. Let us show the world that Osun people are committed to democracy.”
In an apparent expression of goodwill towards the President, Adeleke said he wished Tinubu success beyond the 2027 general election while urging him to protect democratic values in the country.
“Mr. President, we have endorsed you and we want you to continue beyond 2027. As a democrat who fought for democracy, please ensure that Osun people are allowed to freely choose their governor. Let every vote count. Let peace reign. Osun will never burn.”
His remarks drew loud applause from supporters, who repeatedly chanted solidarity songs and pledged to support his re-election bid.
The governor’s appeal comes at a time of heightened political activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election. The campaign period has been characterised by allegations and counter-allegations among political parties over intimidation, violence and the conduct of security agencies.
While security agencies have repeatedly assured residents of their readiness to provide adequate security and ensure a peaceful, free and credible election, civil society organisations, religious leaders and election observers have continued to urge political actors to avoid inflammatory rhetoric, respect the rule of law and allow the electorate to determine the outcome of the poll through the ballot box.
Political observers believe the coming days will be crucial as campaigns gather momentum, with stakeholders hoping that appeals for peace from political leaders, traditional rulers, religious organisations and security agencies will help sustain stability before, during and after the governorship election.
