Written by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared that neither he nor the people of the state will succumb to intimidation ahead of the August 15 governorship election, following a series of arrests and security operations involving top officials of his administration.
The governor made the declaration amid growing political tension triggered by the arrest and subsequent release of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, as well as the detention of several supporters of the ruling Accord Party by the police.
In a statement posted on his official social media platforms, Adeleke expressed confidence that the electorate would resist any attempt to undermine the democratic process, insisting that the will of the people would ultimately prevail.
“As we approach the August 15 governorship election, I have absolute confidence that no amount of external interference or intimidation can override the collective will of the people of Osun State. The verdict of the people will prevail,” the governor stated.
Speaks After Police Arrest of SSG
Adeleke’s remarks came a day after operatives of the Osun State Police Command arrested SSG Teslim Igbalaye during an operation at his residence in Osogbo.
The Osun State Government alleged that police officers invaded the residence without presenting a search warrant, arrested family members and other individuals at the premises, and later took the SSG into custody.
Although the police later released Igbalaye, the incident has heightened political tensions ahead of the governorship election.
Alleges Campaign of Intimidation
The governor suggested that recent actions by security agencies were part of a broader effort to intimidate members of his administration and supporters of his party.
He maintained that Osun residents have a long history of defending their democratic rights and would not allow fear or intimidation to influence their choices at the ballot box.
According to Adeleke, the people of the state remain determined to participate peacefully in the election and protect their votes.
He urged citizens to remain calm, law-abiding and focused on the electoral process despite the political atmosphere.
Expresses Confidence in Re-election
The governor also expressed optimism about his chances of securing another term in office.
He said independent opinion polls indicated strong public support for his administration, attributing the projected outcome to what he described as his government’s achievements in infrastructure development, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare and other sectors.
Adeleke argued that his administration’s performance had earned the confidence of the electorate and that voters would make their decision based on its record rather than political pressure.
Campaign Raises Alarm Over Arrests
The governor’s comments followed allegations by the Imole Campaign Council that dozens of Accord Party members had been arrested in recent days.
The campaign organisation claimed that many supporters remained in detention and called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure that law enforcement agencies remain neutral during the election.
It also accused the police of targeting officials and supporters of the state government, warning that such actions could undermine confidence in the credibility of the governorship poll.
Police Position
The Nigeria Police Force has maintained that its operations are based on intelligence and alleged criminal activities rather than political considerations.
Reports indicated that the police linked the arrest of the SSG to allegations related to vote-buying and other security concerns, although the Osun State Government has rejected the claims, describing them as politically motivated.
Election Draws Closer
With just weeks to the governorship election, political observers have called on all parties, security agencies and electoral officials to ensure that the process remains peaceful, transparent and credible.
The latest exchanges between the Osun State Government and the police have added to concerns over election security, with civil society groups urging all stakeholders to respect the rule of law and allow voters to exercise their democratic rights without fear.
Despite the tensions, Governor Adeleke insisted that the people of Osun would not be intimidated, expressing confidence that the outcome of the election would reflect the freely expressed will of the electorate.