Osun poll: I’m not under pressure, says Adeleke

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke declared on Monday that he feels no pressure heading into the forthcoming governorship election, urging the electorate to exercise courage and participate actively. Speaking in Osogbo after an interactive session with civil servants and pensioners, Adeleke expressed confidence in the people's support and dismissed fears of intimidation.

“

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, and I want you to tell them that they should not be afraid. This is democracy, and Nigeria has decided to practice democracy. They should not be afraid even against all the intimidation of the APC.

While Adeleke stated his preparedness and belief in divine support, he voiced concerns regarding police neutrality in the election. He mentioned that the National Peace Committee is engaging with security agencies, having briefed them on the state's security situation during the Peace Accord signing. "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, and I want you to tell them that they should not be afraid. This is democracy, and Nigeria has decided to practice democracy," Adeleke said.

“

I am telling them that democracy and the will of God will prevail. They should come out on August 15 en masse and should not be afraid to vote and let them go and perform their civic duty, and their votes will count.

He encouraged voters to turn out en masse on August 15, assuring them that their votes would count and urging them to perform their civic duty without fear of intimidation from the All Progressives Congress (APC). Adeleke expressed hope that the peace committee's talks with the police would be effective, praying for a positive outcome.

“

The police, I don’t trust them right now, but the peace committee are talking to them, and they promised to work on it. I pray by the special grace of God, God will touch their heart

At the event, Osun State chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Christopher Arapasopo, lauded Adeleke's administration for improving workers' welfare. Arapasopo rallied support for the governor, contrasting the current administration with the previous APC government. He highlighted significant increases in pension allowances and urged workers to vote for Adeleke, invoking divine intervention against his political adversaries.

“

We must not go back to dark days under the APC government. Enough of intimidation and harassment. Tell them that we cannot be intimidated. God gave them opportunities to be governor of Osun State.