Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has expressed confidence ahead of the August 15 governorship election, declaring that no individual or political group can rig or manipulate the outcome of the poll.
The governor made the remarks while addressing supporters during a campaign rally in Oke-Ila, Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State, where he assured residents that every legitimate vote would count.
According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke dismissed claims by some politicians that the election could be manipulated in their favour, insisting that the people of Osun are prepared to protect their mandate.
“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 said.
Adeleke stated that his administration has continued to receive massive support across the state, adding that residents are determined to ensure their votes reflect their true choice at the polls.
“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,” he said.
The governor also maintained that intimidation and political tension would not discourage Osun residents from participating in the election.
“Osun people are not scared. All these attacks and war mongering only hardened our people. Osun people are not cowards. They will vote and defend their votes. We are reaching across towns; they are holed up at their state secretariat,” Adeleke added.
Highlighting his administration’s achievements, the governor said his government’s performance across the state would speak for itself at the ballot box.
“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 declared.
During the event, the Oke-Ila monarch commended Adeleke for what he described as significant development across Osun State. The traditional ruler praised the governor for delivering democratic dividends to different parts of the state and urged him to consider developing tourism and sports facilities in Ifedayo Local Government Area during a second term.
According to the monarch, the area’s landscape makes it suitable for projects such as a sports academy, mountain hiking centres and tourism resorts, which could further boost economic development in the state.
