Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the August 15 governorship election is conducted in a free, fair and credible manner, while alleging that some security agencies have been compromised ahead of the poll.
Speaking during a campaign rally in Olorunda Local Government Area of Osogbo on Monday, Adeleke called on the President to intervene, alleging that lives were being lost in the state as political activities intensified.
Addressing the President directly, the governor said his administration had publicly endorsed Tinubu’s 2027 presidential ambition and questioned why, according to him, supporters in the state were allegedly facing intimidation.
“President Bola Tinubu, something is happening in Osun State that you need to know. Our people are being killed, and as our father, we are appealing to you. We will not accept any attempt to rig this election.”
Adeleke further alleged that the police had been compromised and urged security agencies to focus on tackling insecurity rather than targeting political supporters.
“The police have been compromised. They should concentrate on tackling the kidnappers and other criminals troubling your administration instead of intimidating innocent people.”
The governor expressed confidence in securing victory if the election is conducted transparently.
“With God on my side, I am confident of victory. If this election is free and fair, I will win.”
He also urged the President to direct security agencies to remain impartial, describing the Osun governorship election as a significant test ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Campaign petitions NHRC
Meanwhile, the Adeleke Campaign Organisation has submitted a petition to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging intimidation and human rights violations against supporters of the governor ahead of the election.
Speaking with journalists after submitting the petition in Abuja, the campaign’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, called on the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to reassure Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force would remain neutral before, during and after the election.
Olajengbesi alleged that several supporters of the governor had been unlawfully arrested and detained in different parts of the country.
He also expressed concern over the reported return of the Osun State Commissioner of Police after an earlier transfer announcement, claiming the decision followed pressure on the police hierarchy.
The campaign further alleged that an Accord Party member, Popoola Alabama, was arrested during a political campaign in Ilesa and transferred to Abuja, where he was reportedly remanded over allegations including unlawful possession of firearms and armed robbery.
According to the campaign, no incriminating items were recovered from him at the time of his arrest. It called on the police to either prosecute him in court or release him, while urging authorities to free others it claimed were unlawfully detained.
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