Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed confidence ahead of the August 15 governorship election, saying he is not under pressure as he seeks another term in office.
The governor spoke on Monday in Osogbo during an interactive session with civil servants and pensioners titled “A Day with Mr. Governor,” organised by the Office of the Head of Service in collaboration with labour leaders and pensioners.
Calling on eligible voters to participate peacefully in the election, Adeleke urged residents not to be intimidated, insisting that democracy would prevail.
“I am not under pressure because I have God on my side and on the side of the people of Osun. We are very prepared. I want our people to be courageous and not be afraid. This is democracy, and they should come out on August 15 to perform their civic duty because their votes will count,” he said.
The governor also raised concerns about the neutrality of the police during the election but said the National Peace Committee had assured him that it was engaging security agencies to ensure a peaceful process.
“The police, I don’t trust them right now, but the peace committee is talking to them and has promised to work on it. I pray that, by the special grace of God, God will touch their hearts,” Adeleke added.
Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Osun State, Christopher Arapasopo, commended the Adeleke administration for introducing policies he said had improved the welfare of workers and pensioners.
According to him, pension payments have increased significantly compared to previous years, with many retirees now receiving higher monthly allowances.
Arapasopo urged residents to support the governor’s re-election bid, saying they should not be intimidated by any form of political pressure.
“We must not go back to the dark days. Enough of intimidation and harassment. We cannot be intimidated.
Workers and pensioners have witnessed improvements, and we should continue to support good governance,” he said.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, with 14 candidates expected to contest for the state’s highest office, including the incumbent governor, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party.
