By Governor Ademola Adeleke has told a large crowd at Oke Ila in Ifedayo Local Government that next month’s governorship election in Osun cannot be manipulated, insisting the outcome will be determined solely by the votes cast by residents.
Addressing the rally on Monday, the governor dismissed talk from opposition politicians about rigging the polls, arguing that Osun’s votes are not up for manipulation given the state’s standing in the Yoruba nation. He said his campaign was reaching voters directly across towns while accusing his opponents of resorting to violence and intimidation instead of genuine outreach.
Adeleke argued that the attacks and threats circulating ahead of the election had only strengthened residents’ resolve, insisting Osun people would show up to vote and defend their choices. He contrasted his administration’s record of development in major towns with what he described as his opponents’ record in office, and pledged to extend similar development to rural areas going forward.
The rally began at the palace of the Ajagunla Ifagbamila Orangun of Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, who commended the governor for infrastructural development in the state and noted that Ifedayo’s terrain made it well-suited for tourism and sporting projects the administration could invest in.
Speaking directly to the crowd, Adeleke urged voters not to sell their voter cards or their votes, calling on them to stay vigilant and protect their ballots. He described claims of rigging and manipulation as fear-mongering, saying: “We will vote and we will win this election.”
The event drew a broad lineup of political figures, including Deputy Governor Kola Adewusi, House Speaker Adewale Egbedun, Reps member Clement Akanni Olohunwa, and Assembly member Kasope Abolarin, alongside campaign officials and the Accord state chairman, Victor Akande. Government functionaries, including the state Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina, received the governor on arrival in Ifedayo.
