Osun poll: Adeleke urges Tinubu to ensure free, fair election, alleges intimidation

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the August 15 governorship election in the state is conducted in a free, fair and credible manner, while raising concerns over alleged violence and intimidation ahead of the poll.

Speaking during a campaign rally in Olorunda Local Government Area of Osogbo, Adeleke alleged that residents of the state were being killed and called on the President to intervene as the nation’s leader.

The governor said his administration had publicly endorsed President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election and questioned why, according to him, supporters in the state were facing attacks and intimidation.

Adeleke also accused the police of failing to act impartially, alleging that officers were focusing on political activities instead of addressing kidnapping and other security challenges.

He expressed confidence of victory if the election is conducted transparently and urged the President to direct security agencies to remain professional and ensure the protection of lives before, during and after the election.

The governor added that the outcome of the Osun governorship election would be closely watched both within and outside Nigeria as an indication of the country’s preparedness for the 2027 general elections.

Campaign petitions National Human Rights Commission

Meanwhile, the Adeleke Campaign Organisation has submitted a petition to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), alleging police intimidation and violations of the rights of its supporters ahead of the election.

Speaking after submitting the petition in Abuja, the campaign’s spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, called on the Inspector-General of Police to reassure Nigerians that the Nigeria Police Force would remain neutral and guarantee adequate security throughout the electoral process.

The campaign also expressed concern over the reversal of the transfer of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, alleging that the decision followed external pressure.

It further claimed that several supporters of the governor had been arrested and detained in police facilities across the country, describing the arrests as unlawful.

Among the cases highlighted was that of an Accord Party member, Popoola Alabama, who the campaign alleged was arrested during political activities in Ilesa and later transferred to Abuja, where a magistrate court reportedly approved his detention over allegations of unlawful possession of firearms and armed robbery.

The campaign maintained that no incriminating items were recovered from him during his arrest and called on the police either to prosecute him in court or release him.

It also demanded the release of other individuals it claimed were being unlawfully detained, while stating that anyone suspected of committing an offence should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The allegations made by Governor Adeleke and his campaign organisation had not been publicly responded to by the Nigeria Police Force at the time of the report.