Aug 4, 2026

Adeleke Warns Tinubu: Don’t Rig Osun Poll or Face 1983-Style Crisis

By Afolabi Olaiya Idowu in politics

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Osogbo / Orita-Sabo, Osun State – August 4, 2026 — Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued a strong warning to President Bola Tinubu against any attempt to manipulate the forthcoming August 15 governorship election, declaring that such a move could spark a political crisis similar to the violent unrest that followed the disputed 1983 elections in Ondo State.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Orita-Sabo, Olorunda Local Government Area, on Monday, Adeleke alleged that his supporters were being killed and unlawfully detained in the build-up to the poll.

He accused elements within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating a climate of fear and insisted that the people of Osun would resist any effort to undermine their votes.

Direct Message to the President

Addressing Tinubu directly, the governor said: “Tinubu, I am passing this message to you. What else do you want Osun to do for you?

We have already endorsed you as our presidential aspirant. What happened? Why are we being killed? They are killing Yoruba. The police are compromised.”

Adeleke emphasized that the Accord Party, under which he is seeking re-election, had already thrown its weight behind Tinubu’s 2027 presidential bid.

He questioned why, despite this support, the state was experiencing alleged harassment, kidnappings, and violence.

“Tinubu should not attempt to rig the Osun governorship election. If he tries it, the political crisis of 1983, when some people attempted to rig Michael Ajasin out of power in Ondo State, may repeat itself,” he warned. “Osun will not accept any rigging. We will go out en masse and vote.”

Echoes of 1983 and Call for Leadership

The governor drew a deliberate parallel with the political turmoil that engulfed parts of the old Western Region after the controversial 1983 governorship elections, events that contributed to the instability preceding the December 1983 military coup.

He urged Tinubu to call former governor Adegboyega Oyetola and other stakeholders to order and to ensure the election is conducted freely and fairly.

“Tinubu should act as the father of the nation. We have endorsed your re-election. We have demonstrated our love for you. Instead of killing our people, now is the time for stakeholders to show love to Osun people,” Adeleke said.

He added that the blood of innocent victims of insecurity would ultimately demand accountability.

Defiance and Resolve

Adeleke maintained that Osun residents would not bow to threats or intimidation. “Osun people won’t bow to threats and intimidation.

They want their votes to count. They will insist their votes must count. Osun people will resist any attempt to deny them the freedom to choose a leader of their choice.”

The August 15 election pits Adeleke against APC candidate Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji and other contenders. A peace pact signed earlier between major candidates has come under strain amid mutual accusations of violence.

The Independent National Electoral Commission has repeatedly warned against troublemakers as the campaign intensifies.

As tension rises in the South-West state, Adeleke’s message is clear: Osun has already shown political goodwill toward the president, and the least it expects in return is a peaceful, credible election that allows the people’s choice to prevail without the shadows of history repeating themselves.