Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed confidence in his victory in the August 15 governorship election, saying the record of his administration since assuming office will speak for itself and earn him another term in office.
He also said no amount of intimidation would stop him from winning the election, accusing his opponents of using federal influence to harass and intimidate members of his camp.
Adeleke spoke during an interview on Tuesday as the state prepared for Saturday’s election, saying his administration had delivered on its promises and urging residents to judge his performance based on what his government had achieved since taking office.
The governor said his administration had made significant investments in healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and other sectors, adding that the achievements would speak for him at the polls.
He cited the installation of solar-powered streetlights and the renovation of about 200 healthcare centres as some of the projects undertaken by his administration.
Adeleke also pledged to support the establishment of state police if re-elected, saying the move would strengthen security and improve the protection of lives and property.
“I believe in the rule of law. I will make sure the police function very well to come and do their job and protect the lives of the people,” he said.
On allegations of vote buying, Adeleke said he had no need to induce voters, noting that his administration had consistently provided palliatives to residents since its inauguration.
“I don’t need to buy votes. The palliative that they are talking about, I love my people and I have been giving them palliative since my inauguration,” he said.
The governor also accused previous administrations of weakening the state’s economy before elections in order to create room for politicians to influence voters with cash and other incentives.
Adeleke further accused his predecessor and APC chieftain, Gboyega Oyetola, of using his relationship with President Bola Tinubu to exert pressure on the state and intimidate his supporters.
He alleged that federal agencies had been used to arrest and intimidate members of his camp ahead of the election, but said such actions would not deter voters from exercising their rights.
Adeleke also accused Oyetola of still “suffering from the pain of defeat” after losing the 2022 governorship election, alleging that the former governor had been using the President’s name to cause problems in Osun State.
He said the people of Osun should be allowed to freely determine who governs them, adding that neither Oyetola nor any other political figure could dictate the outcome of the election.
“There’s no amount of intimidation. Come this Saturday, I’ll be victorious,” Adeleke said.