Osun Election: Adeleke Accuses Police of Aiding APC Rigging

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused the police of supporting alleged attempts by the All Progressives Congress to intimidate voters and manipulate Saturday’s governorship election.

Adeleke made the allegation shortly after casting his vote, claiming that some security personnel were being used to disrupt voting in parts of the state.

The governor called on the Inspector-General of Police and other security agencies to investigate the allegations and ensure that all officers deployed for the election remained neutral.

Adeleke alleged that a police officer from Port Harcourt, whom he identified by the nickname “London”, had been brought to Ede to disrupt the election. He claimed the officer was allegedly expected to create fear among residents and discourage them from going to polling units.

The governor therefore asked the police authorities to investigate the officer and redeploy him if the allegation was established.

Adeleke said he was opposed to any action capable of causing violence in Osun and urged security agencies to allow voters to exercise their constitutional rights without intimidation.

He also raised concerns about the process of collating election results, insisting that results should move from polling units to wards, then to local government areas before reaching the state collation centre.

According to him, any attempt to bypass the established process could create room for manipulation and should not be allowed.

The governor further accused the APC of attempting to introduce fake ballot papers into the election. He urged voters and electoral officials to remain alert and report any suspicious materials or activities to the relevant authorities.

Adeleke also alleged that police officers were assisting the use of tear gas against voters in Modakeke and Obaagun. He claimed the action was aimed at forcing voters away from polling units and reducing participation in the affected areas.

He added that political thugs had allegedly taken away a ballot box in one of the areas where the incidents were reported. According to him, the matter had already been reported to security agencies for investigation.

The governor warned against allowing the situation to deteriorate into widespread violence, saying the people of Osun should be allowed to choose their next governor peacefully.

Despite the reports of alleged disturbances in some areas, Adeleke said voting remained peaceful around his polling unit in Ede. He expressed hope that calm would prevail across the rest of the state as voting continued.

The governor also expressed confidence in his chances of retaining the governorship, saying he was relying on the support of Osun voters as the election progressed.