Governor Ademola Adeleke has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against any attempt to manipulate the August 15 Osun State governorship election, declaring that the people of the state would resist any effort to undermine their democratic mandate.
Speaking during a meeting with supporters on Monday, Adeleke cautioned that any attempt to rig the election could trigger a political crisis similar to the aftermath of the controversial 1983 Ondo State governorship election, which witnessed widespread unrest and violence.
The governor alleged that recent attacks on members of the Accord Party resulted in the deaths of seven people, left more than 20 others injured and led to the arrest and detention of over 60 individuals.
He further accused some police officers of working with suspected members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to intimidate opposition supporters ahead of the governorship poll.
“The people of Osun will not allow anyone to steal their mandate. Any attempt to manipulate the election could plunge the state into a crisis similar to what Nigeria witnessed after the 1983 Ondo governorship election,” Adeleke said.
The governor called on President Tinubu to ensure that all security agencies deployed for the election remain neutral, professional and impartial throughout the electoral process.
According to him, the credibility of the governorship election depends largely on the conduct of security agencies and the electoral umpire, urging the Federal Government to guarantee a free, fair and transparent election.
Adeleke also appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), election observers and civil society organisations to remain vigilant and ensure that the will of the electorate prevails.
He urged residents of Osun State to remain peaceful, law-abiding and resolute in exercising their constitutional right to vote without fear or intimidation.
The Osun governorship election, scheduled for August 15, is expected to be one of the most closely watched off-cycle elections in Nigeria, with political parties intensifying campaigns ahead of the poll.