OSUN DECIDES: Adeleke urges voters to reject APC, defend democratic mandate

Politics

OSOGBO, Nigeria (NPA) — Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has urged residents of the state to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming governorship election, saying voters must not allow a return to what he described as an era of hardship and neglect.

The governor made the appeal in a statement ahead of the August 15 governorship election, calling on eligible voters to support his administration’s bid for a second term.

According to Adeleke, the election presents an opportunity for the people of Osun to reaffirm their commitment to good governance, compassion and continued development.

“I call on the good people of Osun State to brace up for just a few more days. Those who once weaponised poverty by paying workers half salaries, leaving civil servants to struggle to feed their families, and denying our people access to basic necessities are desperate to return to inflict more pain. We must never go back to those dark days,” he said.

The governor urged voters to turn out in large numbers on election day to protect what he described as the mandate of the people.

“On August 15, I urge every eligible voter to send a clear and resounding message that Osun has chosen the path of progress, compassion and good governance. Together, we will protect the mandate of the people and keep Osun moving forward,” Adeleke stated.

In an earlier statement titled, “August 15 Election Is Not Just About Winning, It Is to Send a Strong Message to APC on the Importance of Respecting the People,” the governor accused leaders of the opposition party of using their influence at the federal level to undermine the welfare of Osun residents following the 2022 governorship election.

He specifically alleged that former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and APC chieftain Adewale Oyebamiji had sought to punish the people of Osun for electing his administration.

“On numerous occasions, Oyetola and Oyebamiji have used their influence within the ruling party at the federal level to punish the people of Osun State simply because they chose to vote for us in 2022,” he alleged.

Adeleke claimed that the actions of the opposition had adversely affected workers, civil servants, traders, artisans and other residents of the state.

According to him, the forthcoming governorship election goes beyond the contest for political office and represents an opportunity for the electorate to defend their democratic rights.

“That is why the August 15 election is more than just winning. It is about securing a decisive victory that sends a clear and unmistakable message to the APC that the people of Osun State must always be respected, their democratic choice must be honoured, and no one should ever seek to punish them for exercising their constitutional right to vote,” the governor said.

The Osun State governorship election is scheduled to hold on August 15, 2026.