Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun has urged voters to turn out in large numbers for the August 15 governorship election and stand firm in protecting their ballots, describing participation in the poll as a constitutional right that must not be surrendered to intimidation.
Adeleke made the call during a campaign tour of Ipetu-Ijesha and Ijebu-Jesa, where he visited traditional rulers and later addressed large crowds of supporters alongside his cousin, music star David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido.
The governor, who was accompanied by senior members of the Imole Campaign Council, challenged residents to approach the election with courage and determination, insisting that no individual or group should prevent them from exercising their franchise.
“No force can deny Osun voters their democratic rights,” Adeleke declared.
Echoing an earlier appeal by Davido, who had also urged residents to vote and protect their ballots, the governor said free and fair elections were fundamental rights of the people and expressed confidence that voters would defend those rights at the polls.
At the palace of the Ajalaye of Ipetu-Ijesha, Oba Adeleke Oke, the traditional ruler commended the governor’s administration, describing his performance over the past four years as exceptional.
The monarch subsequently assured the governor’s campaign team of the support of his people for the election.
A similar show of support greeted Adeleke in Ijebu-Jesa, where the traditional ruler welcomed the governor and hosted a victory prayer session involving people of different faiths.
The monarch expressed confidence that Adeleke would secure another term, while urging him to build on the achievements of his first tenure.
“You will win the second term, and you will deliver even more than you have done in your first term. My people are eager to continue to be part of a good turn of events in the state,” the royal father said.
Addressing supporters at campaign rallies in both communities, Adeleke declared that victory was within reach but called for intensified grassroots mobilisation in the final stretch of the campaign.
He also sought to reassure residents over security, urging them to mobilise their families, friends and communities ahead of election day.
“Your security is assured. Your safety is guaranteed. Mobilise your relatives and friends. Vote for good governance and more dividends of democracy,” he told the crowd.
The governor, who repeatedly framed the election as a test of the people’s courage and democratic resolve, added: “Ijesa people, Osun people cannot be scared. We are people of courage. Vote and defend your votes.”
With the election approaching, Adeleke’s campaign is increasingly focusing on voter mobilisation and turnout, while appealing to traditional institutions and grassroots communities to consolidate support for his bid for a second term.
