Adeleke Warns Tinubu Against Election Rigging Ahead of Osun Governorship Poll

Adeleke Warns Tinubu Against Election Rigging Ahead of Osun Governorship Poll

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has warned President Bola Tinubu against any attempt to manipulate the August 15 governorship election, insisting that the people of Osun State will resist any effort to undermine their democratic mandate.

Speaking during a meeting with supporters on Monday, Adeleke said any attempt to rig the election could plunge the state into a political crisis similar to the aftermath of the controversial 1983 Ondo State governorship election, which was followed by widespread unrest and violence.

The governor also alleged that recent attacks targeting 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 collaborating with suspected APC thugs to intimidate opposition supporters.

Adeleke urged President Tinubu to ensure that security agencies remain neutral and professional throughout the electoral process. He stressed that Nigerians and the international community would be closely monitoring the conduct of the election and called for a free, fair, peaceful, and credible poll.

In response, the All Progressives Congress dismissed the allegations of election rigging and violence, describing the claims as unfounded. The party maintained that it remains committed to a peaceful electoral process.

With less than two weeks to the governorship election, political tensions continue to rise in Osun State as both the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC exchange accusations over security concerns and the credibility of the forthcoming poll.