UPDATE
Ademola Adeleke, Osun governor, has asked President Bola Tinubu to prevent what he described as attempts by “desperate and rejected politicians” to disrupt or hijack collation centres across the state.
Adeleke made the call in a social media post on Saturday as the collation of results from the Osun governorship election got underway.
The governor asked Tinubu to issue a clear warning to the heads of security agencies deployed to Osun to protect the electoral process.
“It is imperative that you use your good office to issue a clear warning to the heads of security agencies deployed to protect the good people of Osun State and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process,” Adeleke said.
“Reports of attempts to hijack or disrupt collation centres by desperate and rejected politicians across the state are deeply concerning and unacceptable, particularly given the large number of security personnel deployed to ensure a peaceful and credible election.”
Adeleke also appealed to Tinubu to reiterate his commitment that the votes of Osun residents would count and that the election outcome would reflect their choice.
“I therefore implore you to reiterate the commitment made to the people of Osun State that their votes will count and that the outcome of this election will reflect their genuine choice,” he said.
He called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to adhere to the president’s directive.
Adeleke also called for necessary support for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conclude the process and deliver what he described as a credible and transparent outcome.
The governor said the mandate of Osun voters should be respected after the conclusion of the electoral process.
“The people of Osun State have spoken with one voice, and their voices must be heard. Their votes must be protected, and their mandate must be respected,” he added.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
Osun Poll: Adeleke Raises Alarm Over Voter Intimidation, Alleged Rigging Attempts
Governor Ademola Adeleke has alleged attempts to intimidate voters and manipulate the ongoing Osun State governorship election, while expressing confidence that the process will remain peaceful.
Adeleke spoke after casting his vote at his polling unit in Ede, where he said voting had been smooth and expressed hope that the process would remain peaceful across the state.
However, the governor raised concerns over alleged attempts to disrupt the election and influence voters.
Adeleke accused a police officer of carrying out what he described as a “hatchet job” aimed at scaring voters away from polling units.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police to redeploy the officer, saying the alleged conduct could undermine the credibility of the election.
The governor also alleged that fake ballot papers were in circulation and claimed that police personnel were harassing voters in Modakeke.
He urged electoral officials and security agencies to ensure that the collation and declaration of results followed due process from the polling unit through the ward and local government levels.
Despite the allegations, Adeleke expressed confidence in his chances of victory, saying, “God is on my side.”
Boluwatife Enome
Follow us on:
