Osun 2026: Governor Adeleke Warns Against Election Rigging, Dismisses APC Assurances

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has challenged assurances from opposition figures regarding the credibility of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

The governor urged voters and residents to remain vigilant against any attempt to manipulate the August 15, 2026 governorship poll.

Adeleke was reacting to remarks attributed to the All Progressives Congress governorship candidate Bola Oyebamiji and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola.

The two APC leaders had earlier publicly pledged their commitment to a free and fair electoral process in Osun State.

In a statement issued in Osogbo on Saturday through his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, the governor described the assurances as an attempt to distance themselves from earlier controversial comments.

According to Adeleke, previous remarks and social media posts allegedly suggested that federal influence could be used to determine the outcome of the election.

The governor insisted that such new assurances should not reduce the level of alertness among voters across the state.

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He said the sudden change in tone by the APC candidate and his supporters raised serious questions about their intentions.

Adeleke therefore urged the public to approach the statements with caution considering earlier comments that appeared to prioritise victory over the will of the electorate.

He also called on those linked to the earlier remarks to apologise to the people of Osun for what he described as threats against democratic choice.

The governor further alleged that some opposition campaign operatives had circulated messages warning about the possible use of federal influence during the election.

He noted that such developments had created concerns among residents and political stakeholders in the state.

Adeleke questioned why the APC candidate and the minister had suddenly begun emphasising the need for free and fair elections.

He argued that retracting earlier comments does not erase fears of possible interference in the electoral process.

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The governor therefore urged federal institutions and security agencies to remain neutral throughout the election period.

He stressed that all political parties must operate under equal conditions to protect the credibility of the democratic process.

Adeleke also commended civic groups and political organisers who have begun mobilising voters to protect the integrity of the election at ward and community levels.

The governor added that he and his party remain committed to ensuring a peaceful, transparent and credible election where every vote will count.

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