Governor Adeleke Warns Tinubu Against Rigging Osun Election, Cites 1983 Political Crisis

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the August 15 governorship election in the state is conducted freely and fairly, warning that any attempt to manipulate the process could trigger political unrest reminiscent of the violence that followed the 1983 elections.

Adeleke made the remarks on Monday while addressing supporters of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at Orita-Sabo in Olorunda Local Government Area of Osun State.

The governor also called on the President to intervene in what he described as increasing political intimidation and alleged police harassment in the state, accusing leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of fuelling tension ahead of the poll.

Addressing Tinubu directly, Adeleke said the President should not ignore the unfolding political situation in Osun, particularly as the state remains part of the South-West, a region both leaders share.

“Mr President, I want you to listen carefully to my words. I am the Chief Security Officer of Osun State. You are a Yoruba man, and Osun is part of Yorubaland, yet your party leaders are allegedly promoting political violence while you look the other way,” he said.

The governor maintained that his administration was asking for nothing more than a transparent electoral process.

“All we ask for is a free and fair election. If anyone attempts to subvert the will of the people, the political crisis witnessed in 1983, when some people tried to rig Michael Ajasin out of office in Ondo State, could repeat itself,” Adeleke warned.

He further urged Tinubu to direct APC leaders and security agencies to conduct themselves professionally throughout the election period.

“Mr President, call your people to order. Call the police leadership to order. I am the elected governor of Osun State, not anyone else. You fought for democracy in Nigeria and must not allow those around you to undermine it. Please wake up to your responsibility and stop the political shenanigans taking place in Osun,” he added.

Adeleke also questioned what he described as the continued political pressure against his administration despite the Accord Party’s endorsement of President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.

Earlier at the rally, the Director-General of the Imole Campaign Council, Senator Lere Oyewumi, appealed to residents to come out in large numbers on election day to support Adeleke’s re-election bid.

According to Oyewumi, the governor’s performance in office has earned him another term, urging voters not only to cast their ballots but also to remain vigilant and ensure that their votes are protected until the results are announced