Adeleke alleges rigging threat, challenges Oyetola

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has leveled serious accusations against the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, alleging that Oyetola's recent statements signal a plan to rig the upcoming governorship election. Adeleke's office released a statement asserting that Oyetola's remarks are a clear indication of the All Progressives Congress's intentions.

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They realised that they are already losing out. Then they claimed to have endorsed us. He almost cried. Endorsement cannot retain this seat for you. We are taking it over.

The controversy erupted after Oyetola, addressing APC stakeholders, urged Adeleke to prepare for defeat in the August 15 election. Oyetola, who lost his re-election bid to Adeleke in 2022, dismissed Adeleke's endorsement of President Bola Tinubu, stating it would not secure his administration. Speaking in Yoruba, Oyetola suggested Adeleke's complaints about intimidation revealed his weakening grip on the state, asserting, "We are taking it over."

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A maa gba lowo e

Reacting to Oyetola's comments, Adeleke characterized them as an "open threat" to the integrity of the election. He called upon democracy advocates to take note of the situation and vowed that the people of Osun State would resist any attempts at manipulation, demanding a free and fair poll. Adeleke specifically cited Oyetola's Yoruba phrase, "A maa gba lowo e," meaning "we will snatch it from him," as evidence of a rigging plot.

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Oyetola’s anti-people, anti-democracy activities are tarnishing the image of Mr. President and deepening the unpopularity of Osun APC among voters and residents.

Adeleke further argued that his endorsement of President Tinubu demonstrated his electoral strength and ability to deliver Osun votes in 2027. He contended that Oyetola's actions were not only detrimental to a fair election but also damaging to Tinubu's image and the APC's standing within the state. Adeleke stated that Oyetola's "anti-people, anti-democracy activities are tarnishing the image of Mr. President and deepening the unpopularity of Osun APC among voters and residents."

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A serving minister of the Republic had made an open threat against a free and fair election. The minister has personally confirmed all previous reports that Osun APC has lost the electoral confidence of the people and is therefore focused only on rigging next Saturday.