By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Monday declared that the August 15 governorship election in the state cannot be rigged or manipulated, insisting that the votes of the people would determine the outcome of the poll.
He dismisses fears of electoral manipulation, urges voters to defend their mandate as campaign gathers momentum in the state
The governor made the declaration during a campaign rally at Oke Ila in Ifedayo Local Government Area, where he also urged residents to remain steadfast and reject what he described as attempts by political opponents to intimidate voters ahead of the election.
Addressing a large crowd of supporters, Adeleke dismissed claims that the forthcoming governorship election could be stolen, maintaining that Osun had a strong democratic culture where the will of the electorate would prevail.
“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,” the governor declared.
According to him, the massive turnout recorded at campaign rallies across the state reflected growing public support for his administration and confidence in its achievements over the past three years.
“We are going round the state. The people are trooping out. The people’s votes will be defended. Their will on August 15 will become a reality. We are getting the votes; they are chasing motor parks. We are winning the people; they are shooting at the people,” Adeleke said.
The governor alleged that recent acts of violence and political intimidation would not discourage the electorate, insisting that Osun residents were prepared to exercise their democratic rights peacefully.
“Osun people are not scared. All these attacks and war mongering only harden our people. Osun people are not cowards. They will vote and defend their votes,” he added.
Adeleke also used the occasion to highlight what he described as his administration’s achievements in infrastructure and governance, saying his government had transformed major towns across the state while extending development projects to rural communities.
“Our records speak for us; their records in office continue to hunt them. We have transformed our major towns and we are moving to upgrade our rural areas,” he stated.
Earlier, the governor paid homage to the traditional rulers of Ora Igbomina and Oke Ila, including the Ajagunla Ifagbamila Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin.
Speaking during the visit, the monarch commended Adeleke for executing development projects across the state, saying the administration had justified the confidence reposed in it by the people.
Oba Abolarin also urged the governor to consider establishing tourism and sporting facilities in Ifedayo during a second term, noting that the area’s mountainous terrain and landscape made it suitable for sports academies, hiking destinations and tourism resorts
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Addressing supporters at the rally, Adeleke cautioned eligible voters against selling their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) or votes, urging them to remain vigilant and ensure that every lawful vote was protected.
“Do not sell your voter cards or your votes. Be vigilant and guide your votes. All rumours of rigging, violence and manipulation are mere fear mongering. We will vote and we will win this election,” the governor 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 of the House of Representatives, Hon. Clement Akanni Olohunwa; member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Kasope Abolarin; Deputy Director-General of the Imole Campaign Council, Hon. Kolapo Alimi; Senior Adviser to the campaign, Hon. Sunday Bisi; Accord State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande; Osun Central Senatorial candidate, Hon. Ganiyu Olaoluwa; and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun Yusuf.
Also present were the Osun State Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, Special Adviser to the Governor, Hon. Femi Adefila, and other senior government officials.
The August 15 governorship election is expected to witness a keen contest among the major political parties, with campaigns intensifying across the state as candidates continue to canvass support from voters.
