Osun Guber Poll Cannot Be Rigged, Adeleke Declares
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has declared that the August 15 governorship election in the state cannot be rigged or manipulated, expressing confidence that the votes of the people will determine the outcome of the poll.
The governor made the declaration on Monday while addressing a large crowd of supporters during his campaign rally in Oke-Ila, Ifedayo Local Government Area of the state.
Reacting to alleged threats by some politicians to manipulate the election, Adeleke insisted that the people’s mandate would be protected.
“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.
According to the governor, the massive turnout witnessed at campaign rallies across the state is a reflection of the growing support for his administration, stressing that the electorate is prepared to defend its mandate.
“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 stated.
He maintained that acts of intimidation and political violence would not discourage residents from exercising their democratic rights.
“Osun people are not scared. All these attacks and war mongering have only strengthened their resolve. Osun people are not cowards. They will vote and defend their votes. We are reaching out to communities across the state, while they remain confined to their secretariat,” the governor added.
Highlighting the performance of his administration, Adeleke said the achievements recorded over the past years would speak for his government at the polls.
“Our records speak for us, while their records in office continue to haunt them. We have transformed our major towns, and we are now extending development to our rural communities,” he said.
Earlier, the governor paid courtesy visits to the palaces of the traditional rulers of Ora-Igbomina and Oke-Ila, where the Ajagunla Ifagbamila Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, commended his administration for delivering development across the state.
The monarch described Adeleke’s performance as consistent with the traditional title of Soludero of Oke-Ila conferred on him, saying the administration had brought meaningful governance and visible democratic dividends to the people.
Oba Abolarin also appealed to the governor to consider Ifedayo Local Government for major tourism and sports development projects if re-elected.
“Your Excellency, in your second term, Ifedayo presents your government with 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 party supporters at the rally, Adeleke urged eligible voters not to sell their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) or votes, emphasizing the need to remain vigilant throughout the electoral process.
“Do not sell your voter cards or your votes. Be vigilant and protect your votes. All rumours of rigging, violence and manipulation are mere 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 of the House of Representatives, Hon. Clement Akanni Olohunwa, member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Kasope Abolarin, 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, former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun Yusuf, the Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina, Special Adviser to the Governor, Hon. Femi Adefila, and other government officials and party leaders.