Osun 2026: Only Rigging Can Stop My Re-Election — Adeleke Warns Tinubu

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared that only electoral manipulation can prevent his re-election in the August 15 governorship poll, while issuing a direct appeal to President Bola Tinubu to intervene against alleged political violence, police intimidation, and threats to the integrity of the electoral process.

Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party expressed confidence in securing victory if the election is conducted in a free and fair manner, stating during his re-election campaign in Osogbo on Monday, “With God on my side, I am confident of victory. If this election is free and fair, I will win.” The governor’s confidence comes as Osun State prepares for the crucial governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026, with 14 political parties fielding candidates according to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Adeleke specifically appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies to act professionally and impartially during the election, warning that any attempt to rig the poll could trigger political violence reminiscent of the 1983 crisis. “Mr President, something is happening in Osun that you need to know. Our people are being killed and, as our father, we are appealing to you. We will not accept any attempt to rig this election. Do not allow innocent people to be killed,” Adeleke said. The governor, who serves as the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, also referenced the 1993 political crisis, urging the President not to allow history to repeat itself. “Mr President, I want you to take note of my words. I am the Chief Security officer of Osun, you are a Yoruba man and Osun is Yorubaland, yet, your party chieftains are perpetrating political violence while you look the other way,” Adeleke stated at a rally in Orita-Sabo, Olorunda local government. He further warned: “Mr President, all we demand for is a free and fair election. If anybody tries to do otherwise, the political crisis of 1983, when some people tried to rig Michael Ajasin in Ondo State out of power, may repeat itself again.”

Adeleke claimed that seven Accord Party members had been killed in the last three months, while more than 20 others sustained gunshot injuries and over 60 remained in what he described as illegal police detention. He accused some APC members of invoking President Tinubu’s name while carrying out acts of violence against residents. “The shedding of blood of the innocents should stop. Osun APC members are dropping Mr President’s name to kill and maim Osun people. The name of Mr President is being dragged in the mud,” he said. The governor also accused the police of being compromised, alleging that officers were escorting political thugs to attack and kill innocent citizens. “The police have been compromised, let them go and confront kidnappers,” the governor said.

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The governor questioned why, despite his party’s public endorsement of Tinubu’s re-election bid, his supporters were allegedly facing intimidation and violence. “Mr President, I am passing this message directly to you. We have publicly endorsed you for the 2027 presidential election. What more do you want from us? Why then are our people being killed?” Adeleke asked. He further alleged that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, was responsible for what he described as the crisis within the APC in Osun State and should be called to order. “Mr President, you fought for democracy; do not allow your brother to undermine it,” Adeleke said, adding that Oyetola “is no longer the governor of this state.”

Adeleke reminded the President that the international community is watching the Osun election, describing it as a test ahead of the 2027 general elections. “The international community is watching, and this election will be seen as a test ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said. The Accord Party has also called on the African Union, United Nations, European Union, United States, and British governments to intervene in the security situation in the state ahead of the election. The party alleged a pattern of political violence, arrests, and intimidation capable of undermining the poll, claiming that as of midnight of July 29, 2026, there were still 61 Accord members in police captivity without any warrant of arrest.

Adeleke urged his supporters to come out in large numbers on election day and protect their votes until results are declared. “I urge all our supporters to come out on Aug. 15 and vote for me. Stand by your votes until the results are declared. I am ready for this election, and on election day, our revolution will be through the ballot box,” he said. Addressing supporters at a church service in Osogbo, the governor urged residents not to be intimidated. “Because the people have rejected them, because voters have endorsed me, because defeat stared them in the face, they resorted to violence. We are not scared. Osun people are not afraid,” Adeleke said. “August 15, Osun people will show agents of violence that we are not cowards. Our people’s safety is guaranteed. Come out and vote. Punish those killing and maiming our people by voting against them on August 15th,” he added.

The Adeleke Campaign Organisation has also petitioned the National Human Rights Commission, accusing the Nigeria Police Force of intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and human rights violations ahead of the governorship election. The campaign’s spokesman, Pelumi Olajengbesi, called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to publicly reassure Nigerians that the Force would remain neutral throughout the electoral process. “We want the Inspector-General of Police to assure Nigerians and the people of Osun State that the election will be credible and that the police still have the capacity to provide security for the safety of lives and property before, during, and after the election,” Olajengbesi said.

Beyond his warnings against electoral fraud, Adeleke has also been campaigning on his record of infrastructural development, promising to deliver more if re-elected. During campaign tours in Erin-Osun and Ilobu, the governor said his administration had fulfilled promises made during the 2022 election campaign and that greater achievements lay ahead. “I appreciate your support. When we came here in 2022, I promised you good governance, and I have fulfilled what I promised. But the people have not seen anything yet. We will do much more for Osun State,” Adeleke said. The governor has received endorsements from traditional rulers across the state, with the Elerin of Erin-Osun and the Olobu of Ilobu both assuring Adeleke of their support and prayers for his re-election.

Osun 2026: Only Rigging Can Stop My Re-Election — Adeleke Warns Tinubu