Osun election not just about winning, says Adeleke

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke declared that the upcoming August 15 governorship election transcends a mere contest for victory, framing it as an opportunity to convey a strong message to the All Progressives Congress (APC) about respecting the electorate. Adeleke alleged that certain individuals have sought to penalize the people of Osun for their support of him in the 2022 election.

"That is why the August 15 election is more than just winning. It is about securing a decisive victory that sends a clear and unmistakable message to the APC: the people of Osun State must always be respected, their democratic choice must be honoured, and no one should ever seek to punish them for exercising their constitutional right to vote," the governor stated on his X handle.

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That is why the August 15 election is more than just winning. It is about securing a decisive victory that sends a clear and unmistakable message to the APC: the people of Osun State must always be respected, their democratic choice must be honoured, and no one should ever seek to punish them for exercising their constitutional right to vote.

His remarks come amid a dispute with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which placed a Post-No-Debit restriction on the Osun State Government's statutory allocation account just ten days before the election. The EFCC cited an ongoing investigation into alleged fraudulent handling of funds amounting to approximately N11 billion, including suspicious transfers made from August 2.

Adeleke vehemently rejected the EFCC's explanation, denouncing the freeze as an "assault on the constitutional rights of subnational governments." He emphasized that the commission acted without obtaining a court order. Consequently, he has directed the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice to challenge the EFCC's action in the Federal High Court in Osogbo.

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assault on the constitutional rights of subnational governments