Osun Election: Adeleke Warns Over Alleged Rigging Threat, Points Finger at Oyetola

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, of plotting to undermine the August 15 governorship election in favor of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adeleke made the allegation in a statement released on Sunday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in reaction to comments made by Oyetola while addressing APC stakeholders and supporters in the state.

Oyetola, former Osun governor who lost his re-election bid to Adeleke in 2022 had told the incumbent to brace for defeat adding that his endorsement of President Bola Tinubu would not save his administration.
Oyetola, who spoke in Yoruba, said the APC would reclaim the governorship seat, adding that Adeleke’s endorsement of Tinubu would not determine the outcome of the election.

“They realized they’re already missing out. And then they said they had endorsed us.” He nearly cried. This seat is not safe with an endorsement. “We are taking charge of it,” Oyetola said.

“If you like, make 10 endorsements, we will collect this one from you,” he added.

Reacting, Adeleke described the statement as a “open threat” to the conduct of free and fair election and urged democracy lovers to take note of the statement of the minister.

The governor also alleged that the APC was planning to rig the poll because according to him the party had lost the support of Osun voters.

Adeleke said his support for Tinubu in the presidential election of 2027 was a pointer to his political strength and ability to galvanize votes for the President in Osun.

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He also accused Oyetola of undermining Tinubu’s image thru his activities in the state.

“A serving minister of the Republic had made an open threat against free and fair election,” Adeleke said.

He said Osun residents would fight any attempt to erode their right to freely choose their leaders.

“The bad news for the minister is that Osun people are resolute in resisting his sadistic agenda,” the governor said.

Adeleke also said he was confident of being re-elected, adding that voters would reject the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, in Saturday’s election.

The governor said his administration would respect the will of voters and called on stakeholders to ensure that the poll was conducted transparently and peacefully.