Osun 2026: Adeleke Fires Back at ‘Federal Might’ Ahead of Saturday’s Poll

Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, has declared that he is not intimidated by the reported support of the Federal Government and some governors for his APC opponent ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Adeleke made the statement on Tuesday during the Arise Townhall Meeting, where he described himself as a “bulldozer” and vowed to face what he called the influence of the Federal Government and governors backing his opponent.

“I am a bulldozer. I am not afraid of Federal might and governors backing the APC candidate. If they like, they should bring all the governors,” Adeleke said.

‘Governors won’t vote’

The governor played down the potential impact of governors campaigning for the APC candidate, saying their presence in Osun would not automatically translate into votes.

According to Adeleke, many of the governors supporting his opponent are personally known to him and remain his friends.

“Those governors are my friends. I am a civilised administrator. They won’t vote; they can only come and dance, and after the election, we will meet,” he said.

He suggested that while political leaders were free to campaign and mobilise support for their preferred candidates, the final decision would rest with Osun voters on election day.

Adeleke denies militarising Osun

Adeleke also rejected allegations that his administration had militarised the state amid the heightened political tension surrounding the election.

He argued that he does not have the constitutional authority to deploy the armed forces.

“I did not militarise Osun. I have no such capacity. I am not the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” he said.

Election enters final stretch

Adeleke’s comments come as political parties intensify their campaigns and mobilisation efforts ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The contest has attracted significant attention, with the major political camps seeking to consolidate their support bases across the state.

With the election just days away, security, political influence and the ability of voters to freely determine the outcome remain central issues surrounding the closely watched poll.

Adeleke is seeking another term in office and faces the APC candidate in a contest expected to attract strong voter interest across Osun State.