Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has cast doubt on recent promises from opposition members regarding the integrity of the upcoming governorship race, warning that citizens must stay alert to any plots to meddle with the August 15 vote.
The governor was reacting to comments made by the All Progressives Congress candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, along with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, who both publicly vowed to support a transparent and honest election in the state.
In a dispatch released in Osogbo this Saturday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke characterized these APC proclamations as a move to walk back previous remarks and online posts that allegedly hinted at using federal muscle to sway the election results.
According to the governor, “the recent statements by the opposition figures should not reduce the alertness of residents and voters across the state as preparations continue for the governorship contest scheduled for August.
“The sudden shift in tone by the APC candidate and his supporters raises questions about what has changed.
“Members of the public should treat such assurances cautiously given previous statements that suggested a determination to secure victory regardless of the electorate’s decision.”
He further suggested that those behind the earlier comments owe the people of Osun an apology for what he viewed as threats to bypass the democratic will of the people in the coming poll.
The governor also claimed that certain opposition campaign workers had been sharing posts that threatened the use of federal influence to impact the ballot.
He pointed out that these types of remarks had already sparked a lot of anxiety among local residents and political observers.
“What now changed that the APC candidate suddenly embraced the language of free and fair elections? Why was the minister echoing the same line after earlier signals suggesting otherwise?”, he said.
Adeleke maintained that the public needs to keep a watchful eye, noting that trying to take back earlier comments doesn’t just erase the fear of potential interference in the voting process.
He challenged the opposition to prove their democratic credentials by steering clear of any behavior that might damage the credibility of the election.
Additionally, the governor called on federal bodies and security forces to stay neutral throughout the race to ensure every political party plays by the same rules across the state.
While praising civil society groups and local organizers for starting their voter drives, Governor Adeleke noted that residents are already moving to protect the sanctity of the vote at the grassroots level.
“Myself, my team and my party are committed to mobilisation for a free and fair contest in which the votes of the people must count at all costs. The election should remain peaceful and free from intimidation or electoral malpractice,” he said.