Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of planning to manipulate the forthcoming governorship election, citing recent remarks by former governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.
Adeleke made the allegation in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, following comments by Oyetola during a meeting with APC stakeholders and supporters in Osun State.
The minister had urged Adeleke to prepare for defeat in the August 15 governorship election, dismissing claims that the governor’s endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for a second term would influence the outcome of the poll.
According to Oyetola, the governor’s recent political moves reflected concerns about losing public support ahead of the election.
“Endorsement cannot retain this seat for you. We are taking it over. If you like, make 10 endorsements, we will collect this one from you,” Oyetola reportedly said while addressing supporters.
Reacting, Adeleke described the remarks as an open threat against the integrity of the electoral process and called on democracy advocates to take note of what he termed a dangerous signal.
The governor alleged that the statement confirmed earlier concerns that the opposition was preparing to influence the election through means other than the ballot.
“A serving minister of the Republic had made an open threat against a free and fair election. The minister has personally confirmed all previous reports that Osun APC has lost the electoral confidence of the people and is therefore focused only on rigging next Saturday,” Adeleke said.
He maintained that his endorsement of President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election reflected his political strength and ability to mobilise support for the President within Osun State.
Adeleke further accused Oyetola of engaging in activities that could damage the President’s image and weaken the APC’s standing among voters in the state.
The governor expressed confidence that voters would reject the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, just as they rejected Oyetola in the 2022 governorship election.
He also pledged that his administration would respect the democratic rights of the electorate and seek re-election through the ballot box rather than through any form of electoral manipulation.
The exchange has heightened political tensions in Osun State as preparations intensify for Saturday’s governorship election.
