The Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed has described the open declaration of a ranking All Progressive Congress (APC) federal lawmaker, Hon. Alhassan Doguwa, that Osun is a no go area comes 2026 as a political reality that must be accepted by all, noting that Governor Adeleke is well positioned to retain his mandate beyond 2026.
Hon. Doguwa who was in Ede alongside his colleagues in the green chamber, remarked that “With the developmental strides of Governor Ademola Adeleke and the kind of political strength I have seen here, along with the dexterity and doggedness of your humble personality, it appears to me that Osun is like a no-go area.”
Reacting to the lawmaker’s comment, Mallam Olawale Rasheed said Hon. Doguwa’s remark reflects the true state of things in Osun state, saying the support for Governor Adeleke among Osun people is too pronounced that it could not escape the attention of a veteran politician in the mold of Hon. Doguwa.
Mallam Rasheed maintained that as long as democracy is about numbers and the will of the people, Governor Adeleke is advantageously positioned to secure a re-election in 2026 when the governorship polls are opened, warning that those who are counting on manipulation to get to power will have the people to contend with.
“The truth, which is not lost on even his critics, is that Governor Ademola Adeleke is the man to beat because the people are solidly behind him. If truly we are in a democracy, and that the people actually are the decider, there is no way those who failed badly in the past will have any inroad to power in 2026,” Mallam Olawale Rasheed noted.
“Although, we have heard them boast of capturing or snatching or adopting any other undemocratic means to power in 2026, but we are confident that they have Osun people to deal with. And, we know for certain that it will be mission impossible, because no matter how much they try, the people will prevail.
“Rt. Hon. Alhassan Doguwa is a veteran politician, serving his 6th term in the House of Representative, and knows the indices that count for electoral victory. So, it is not surprising when he categorised Osun as a no-go area, which we believe should be enough to prevail on those who seek to bypass the acceptable route to power in a democracy, which is through a fair and credible poll.”
Mallam Rasheed said Governor Adeleke will forge ahead in his pro-people governance approach out of deep respect for their trust as reflective in electing him in 2022, noting that Osun will experience more developmental projects and welfare packages for the people under Governor Adeleke.
“Governor Adeleke is the People’s Governor, and not one imposed on the people with aid of a ‘remote control’, and he respects Osun people for their votes. In two years, he has been able to show that things can actually work going by the incredible turnaround in physical infrastructure, welfare of the people, among other good governance efforts demonstrated,” he added.
“While some may hold on to the illusion of a repeat of the ‘remote control’ imposition, we declare our resolute faith in the people to stand firm in ensuring that nothing tampers with their will and are ready to show that, as Rt. Hon. Doguwa rightly declared, Osun is a no-go area.”
