Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has described the upcoming August 15 governorship election as more than a battle for political victory, saying it represents a chance for residents to defend their democratic choice and demand respect for the will of the people.
The governor also accused former Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, and former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji, of using their influence within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to work against the interests of Osun State following the 2022 governorship election.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Adeleke alleged that the two APC leaders used their connections at the federal level to punish Osun residents for electing his administration.
According to him, the alleged actions negatively affected workers’ welfare and threatened the livelihoods of civil servants, traders, artisans, and other residents across the state.
“On several occasions, Oyetola and Oyebamiji have used their influence within the ruling party at the federal level to punish the people of Osun State simply because they voted for our administration in 2022,” Adeleke said.
He added that their actions were aimed at undermining the welfare of workers and disrupting the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
The governor called on eligible voters to participate massively in the August 15 governorship election, stressing that the exercise is an opportunity to reaffirm the people’s mandate.
Adeleke maintained that the election is not only about securing another victory but also about sending a clear message that the democratic choice of Osun people must always be respected and that no one should be punished for exercising their constitutional right to vote.