As the August 15 governorship election day in Osun State approaches, Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu to intervene against what he described as rising political violence, alleged police intimidation, and threats to the integrity of the electoral process.
The August 15 governorship election has become one of Nigeria’s most closely watched off-cycle polls, with political activities intensifying amid allegations of intimidation, isolated incidents of violence, and growing concerns over the role of security agencies
Governor Adeleke of the Accord Party is seeking a second term in office in a contest expected to shape the political landscape of Osun State.
Declaring that the election would serve as a critical litmus test for Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections, he urged the President to ensure security agencies remain impartial and that the will of the electorate is protected.
Speaking on Monday during his re-election campaign rally at Olorunda Local Government Area in Osogbo, the governor alleged that innocent residents and supporters of his administration were being targeted in what he described as an orchestrated attempt to intimidate voters ahead of the governorship poll.
Addressing President Tinubu directly, Adeleke appealed to him to rise above partisan interests and discharge his constitutional responsibility as “the father of the nation.”
“President Bola Tinubu, something is happening in Osun State that you need to know. Our people are being killed, and as our father, we are appealing to you. We will not accept any attempt to rig this election,” the governor said.
He reminded the President that both his administration and the Accord Party had publicly declared support for Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, questioning why, despite that political goodwill, his supporters were allegedly facing intimidation and violence.
“Mr President, I am passing this message directly to you. We have publicly endorsed you for the 2027 presidential election. What more do you want from us? Why then are our people being killed?” Adeleke asked.
The governor further alleged that the Nigeria Police Force had become compromised, accusing officers of concentrating on political opponents instead of confronting the growing menace of kidnapping and violent crime.
“The police have been compromised. They should concentrate on tackling the kidnappers and other criminals troubling your administration instead of intimidating innocent people,” he alleged.
Adeleke said that as the state’s Chief Security Officer, he was confident that Osun citizens would troop out in large numbers to vote and would peacefully defend their ballots.
“The Accord Party has also endorsed you as its presidential candidate. Why then are we being subjected to this hardship? Why is our money being withheld?” he queried.
Expressing confidence in his re-election prospects, Adeleke maintained that the outcome of the election would depend solely on whether voters were allowed to exercise their democratic rights without interference.
“With God on my side, I am confident of victory. If this election is free and fair, I will win,” he declared.
He appealed to President Tinubu to ensure that security agencies discharge their responsibilities professionally and without political bias.
“You fought for democracy, and I urge you not to allow anyone to destroy it. Do not allow innocent people to be killed. Direct the police to act professionally and impartially. The international community is watching, and this election will be seen as a test ahead of the 2027 general elections,” Adeleke said.
The governor also urged eligible voters to participate peacefully in the election and remain at polling units until the results were officially announced.
“I urge all our supporters to come out on August 15 and vote for me. Stand by your votes until the results are declared. I am ready for this election, and on election day, our revolution will be through the ballot box,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Adeleke Campaign Organisation has petitioned the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), accusing the Nigeria Police Force of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and human rights violations ahead of the governorship election.
Addressing journalists after submitting the petition at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, the campaign’s spokesman, Pelumi Olajengbesi, called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to publicly reassure Nigerians that the Force would remain neutral throughout the electoral process.
“We have come to the National Human Rights Commission to present our concerns over what we consider an abuse of human rights in Osun State as the election approaches,” Olajengbesi said.
“We want the Inspector-General of Police to assure Nigerians and the people of Osun State that the election will be credible and that the police still have the capacity to provide security for the safety of lives and property before, during, and after the election.”
Olajengbesi expressed concern over the reported reversal of the transfer of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, alleging that the decision followed political pressure on the police hierarchy.
According to him, shortly after public criticism over the arrest of Adeleke’s supporters and the release of 26 detainees, the commissioner, who had reportedly been transferred, was returned to the state.
“We were informed that the Inspector-General of Police was threatened that the Commissioner of Police must be returned to Osun State, and now he has been reinstated,” he alleged.
The campaign further claimed that several Osun residents were being detained in police facilities across the country.
Among the cases highlighted was that of an Accord Party member in Ijesa South, Popoola Alabama, who was allegedly arrested during a political campaign in Ilesa before being transferred to Abuja, where a magistrate court reportedly ordered his detention over allegations of unlawful possession of firearms and armed robbery.
Olajengbesi insisted that no incriminating items were recovered from the politician and urged the police to either prosecute him in accordance with the law or release him immediately.
He also called for the release of other persons the campaign claimed were unlawfully detained, while maintaining that anyone suspected of committing criminal offences should be charged before a competent court in line with due process.
The Presidency and the Nigeria Police Force had not responded to the allegations made by Governor Adeleke and his campaign organisation as of the time of filing this report.
