ADELEKE LAUNCHES RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN, VOWS TO DEFEND DEMOCRACY AHEAD OF OSUN GOVERNORSHIP POLL

ADELEKE LAUNCHES RE-ELECTION CAMPAIGN, VOWS TO DEFEND DEMOCRACY AHEAD OF OSUN GOVERNORSHIP POLL

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has officially launched his re-election campaign ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, expressing confidence that he will secure a second term while assuring supporters that democratic processes in the state will be protected.

The campaign was flagged off on Tuesday at Freedom Park in Osogbo, where thousands of supporters, party members, political defectors, and interest groups gathered in support of the governor’s bid for another term in office.

Addressing supporters during the event, Adeleke declared that the Accord Party would remain on the ballot for the upcoming election and assured residents that their votes would count during the electoral process.

The governor described the campaign as a significant political journey and stated that all lawful measures were being pursued to safeguard constitutional rights and ensure the integrity of the election.

Adeleke said his administration would resist any attempt to undermine democracy in Osun State, stressing that the rule of law must prevail in the conduct of political affairs within the state.

The governor also revisited the ongoing local government leadership crisis in the state, congratulating residents and political supporters for what he described as the protection of democratic governance at the grassroots level.

He commended elected local government chairmen and councillors for their patience throughout the prolonged dispute over council administration.

In addition, Adeleke criticized security authorities over the handling of the local government crisis and directed the Commissioner of Police to withdraw security protection allegedly being provided to individuals occupying local government secretariats unlawfully.

The governor further accused a commercial bank of collaborating with court-sacked local government chairmen and called for accountability regarding local government funds allegedly diverted during the dispute.

During his address, Adeleke expressed appreciation to several associations, unions, and groups that endorsed his re-election campaign, including labour unions, pensioners, farmers’ associations, market groups, religious organizations, women groups, youth associations, and student bodies.

According to the governor, the endorsements reflect public confidence in his administration’s performance since assuming office in 2022.

Highlighting achievements recorded under his administration, Adeleke said Osun State had made notable progress in education, healthcare delivery, infrastructure development, agriculture, water supply, digital economy expansion, and fiscal transparency.

He stated that the state moved from 33rd position in national education rankings in 2022 to 7th position in both 2024 and 2025, while also improving performance in primary healthcare services and access to clean water.

The governor also claimed that his administration had reduced the state’s debt burden by more than 40 percent while improving hospital services, strengthening budget transparency, and reducing infrastructure deficits.

Seeking renewed support from voters, Adeleke unveiled an updated five-point development agenda which he said would guide his administration if re-elected.

The proposed agenda focuses on youth empowerment, women and workers’ welfare, infrastructure development, agro-industrial expansion, affordable healthcare and education, as well as creating a more business-friendly environment capable of generating employment opportunities.

In a development expected to generate wider political attention, Adeleke also publicly reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s second-term ambition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

He urged residents of Osun State to reject violence, protect democratic values, and participate actively in the governorship election.

The governor expressed confidence that continuity would prevail in the state and called on supporters to intensify grassroots mobilization efforts ahead of the August poll.