Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has dismissed concerns over alleged federal support for the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate ahead of the state governorship election. Adeleke said he was prepared to confront what he described as the influence of the Federal Government and governors supporting his opponent. The governor made the remarks on Tuesday during the Arise Townhall Meeting held ahead of the election.
Speaking about the political contest, Adeleke described himself as a “bulldozer” and said he was not intimidated by the backing allegedly being offered to the APC candidate.
“I am a bulldozer. I am talk and do. I am not afraid of federal might and governors backing the APC candidate. If they like, they should bring all the governors,” he said.
Adeleke’s comments came amid heightened political activity in Osun, with political parties intensifying campaigns and mobilisation ahead of the governorship poll. The governor is seeking another term in office and faces opposition from candidates seeking to unseat his administration.
Adeleke also played down the significance of governors who may campaign for his opponent. He said some of the governors were personally known to him and maintained that their presence in the state would not determine the election result.
“Those governors are my friends. I am a civilised administrator. They won’t vote; they can only come and dance, and after the election, we will meet,” he said.
His comments appeared aimed at countering concerns that the involvement of influential political figures could affect the electoral contest.
The governor also rejected allegations that his administration had militarised Osun State. Adeleke said he lacked the constitutional authority to deploy the armed forces, noting that such authority rested with the Federal Government.
“I did not militarise Osun. I have no such capacity. I am not the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” he said.
The statement followed political arguments surrounding security and the presence or involvement of security personnel in the state during the election period.
The governor’s remarks come as political parties step up their activities across Osun ahead of the governorship election. Candidates and their supporters have continued to mobilise voters, hold rallies and make competing claims about their prospects at the polls.
Adeleke’s latest comments underscore his confidence that federal influence or the support of prominent political figures will not determine the outcome of the election. The final decision, however, will rest with voters who participate in the poll.
