Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, has declared that the people of the state would not succumb to intimidation ahead of the August 15 governorship election, expressing confidence that voters would defend their democratic rights at the polls.

In a post shared on his official X handle on Thursday, Adeleke said Osun people had a long history of resisting oppression and would once again ensure that their collective will prevailed despite what he described as external interference.

“Throughout history of Osun State, our people have never bowed to intimidation. We are resilient, determined, and fiercely protective of our rights.

“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,” he wrote.

The governor also claimed that independent opinion polls pointed to an impending victory for the Accord Party, attributing the projected outcome to what he described as the achievements of his administration.

According to him, his government has recorded progress in infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare and pension reforms.

“Independent polls consistently point to a clear and decisive victory for Accord Party because the people can see and feel the impact of our administration. From infrastructure and education to healthcare, workers’ welfare, and pension reforms, our record speaks for itself.

“By the grace of God and with the continued support of the good people of Osun, our second term will build on these achievements and deliver even greater progress for every community. The best days of Osun are still ahead.

“Let’s remain united and vigilant. Vote Accord and be prepared to defend your votes,” Adeleke added.

His comments come amid heightened political tension in the state following the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaiye, and five others by the Osun State Police Command over alleged electoral offences.

The police said the suspects were arrested during a raid on Igbalaiye’s residence in Osogbo, where officers reportedly recovered N4.81m, two Permanent Voter Cards, a voter register and other items believed to be linked to vote-buying and other electoral offences.

The command maintained that the arrests were based on credible intelligence and insisted that investigations were ongoing.

However, the Osun State Government and the Adeleke Campaign Organisation rejected the allegations, accusing the police of carrying out politically motivated arrests aimed at intimidating opposition figures ahead of the election.

The state government alleged that the police invaded the residences of several government officials without search warrants, while the campaign organisation claimed dozens of its supporters had been arrested and detained without lawful justification.

The police denied the allegations, insisting that only six suspects were arrested and that the operation was conducted in line with the law. (The Sun)

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