Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has assured residents that no one will be able to rig or steal the August 15 governorship election in the state.
The governor gave the assurance while addressing supporters at a campaign rally held in Oke Ila, Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun State.
He urged eligible voters to come out in large numbers on election day, cast their votes peacefully and remain committed to protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said every vote cast during the election would count. He encouraged the people to have confidence in the electoral process, insisting that the will of the electorate would prevail.
Speaking to the crowd, the governor dismissed claims by some politicians that the election could be manipulated in their favour. He maintained that the people of Osun would not allow anyone to tamper with their votes.
“I heard some politicians saying they will steal the votes. How can they do that? Votes in Osun cannot be stolen. This is Osun State, the heart of the Yoruba nation. Nobody can rig us here,” Adeleke said.
He added that the people of the state are prepared to defend their votes through lawful and peaceful means, stressing that the outcome of the election must reflect the wishes of the electorate.
“The people’s votes will be defended. Their decision on August 15 will become a reality,” the governor stated.
Adeleke also praised the courage and determination of Osun residents, saying they have never been intimidated during elections. He urged them not to be afraid of any form of pressure or intimidation before or during the poll.
“Osun people are not scared. Osun people are not cowards. They will vote and defend their votes,” he added.
The governor expressed confidence that his administration’s achievements over the past years would convince voters to renew his mandate. He said his government has carried out projects and programmes across different sectors, adding that his performance would speak louder than campaign promises.
“Our records speak for us,” Adeleke said, noting that his administration remains focused on delivering more development if given another opportunity to serve.
The August 15 governorship election is expected to be keenly contested, with political parties intensifying campaigns across the state as preparations continue for the poll.