OSOGBO (DGR News) – Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the August 15 governorship election in the state is conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner, warning that any attempt to manipulate the electoral process could trigger political unrest similar to the crisis that followed the 1983 elections in parts of the South-West.
The governor made the remarks on Monday while addressing supporters during a political rally held at Orita-Sabo in Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State.
Adeleke expressed concern over what he described as rising political tension in the state ahead of the governorship election, urging the President to intervene and ensure security agencies remain neutral throughout the electoral process.
According to the governor, political actors should be allowed to campaign and participate in the election without intimidation or harassment, stressing that the integrity of the electoral process must be protected.
Addressing President Tinubu directly during his speech, Adeleke said the President, as a prominent Yoruba leader and Nigeria’s Commander-in-Chief, has a responsibility to ensure peace and democratic order in Osun State.
He alleged that some political figures were contributing to unrest in the state and called on the President to caution members of his party while directing security agencies to discharge their duties professionally and without bias.
The governor maintained that his administration was only demanding a transparent election in which the will of the electorate would prevail.
Adeleke warned that any attempt to undermine the people’s mandate could revive memories of the political violence associated with the disputed 1983 elections, particularly the crisis surrounding the Ondo State governorship contest involving the late Governor Michael Ajasin.
He urged the President to uphold the democratic principles he had long advocated, saying Nigerians expected elections to reflect the genuine choice of voters rather than political manipulation.
The governor also insisted that, as the state’s Chief Security Officer, he remained committed to maintaining peace but called on federal authorities to support efforts aimed at preventing violence before, during and after the election.
According to Adeleke, recent political developments in Osun require urgent attention to prevent unnecessary tension and safeguard lives and property.
He further stated that despite reports that the Accord Party had endorsed President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, there should be no reason for political intimidation or actions capable of undermining democracy in Osun.
The governor appealed to residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to democratic principles as the election approaches.
Earlier at the rally, the Director-General of the Imole Campaign Council, Senator Lere Oyewumi, called on supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to turn out in large numbers on election day.
Oyewumi said the achievements recorded under Adeleke’s administration provide sufficient justification for voters to renew the governor’s mandate.
He encouraged eligible voters to participate peacefully in the election and remain vigilant in protecting the integrity of their votes throughout the electoral process.
The August 15 governorship election is expected to be one of Nigeria’s closely watched off-cycle polls, with political parties intensifying campaigns across the state ahead of the vote.
Security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have repeatedly assured residents of their commitment to conducting a peaceful, credible and transparent election.
