Osun Decides: ‘Protect Our Votes, Respect Our Mandate,’ Adeleke Urges Tinubu, Security Operatives

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has urged President Bola Tinubu to direct security agencies deployed for the governorship election to protect the integrity of the electoral process as collation of results begins.

Adeleke made the appeal in a post on X on Saturday evening, expressing concern over alleged attempts to disrupt or hijack collation centres across the state.

Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke. Osun State Government.
Addressing Tinubu, the governor said, “It is imperative that you use your good office to issue a clear warning to the heads of security agencies deployed to protect the good people of Osun State and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process.”

He said reports of alleged attempts to disrupt collation centres by politicians were “deeply concerning and unacceptable,” given the number of security personnel deployed for the election.

Adeleke urged the President to reiterate his commitment to ensuring that votes cast by Osun residents count and that the final outcome reflects their choice.

“I therefore implore you to reiterate the commitment made to the people of Osun State that their votes will count and that the outcome of this election will reflect their genuine choice,” he said.

The governor specifically called on the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services, Nigerian Army and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to adhere to the directive, while urging that the Independent National Electoral Commission receive the necessary support to complete the process.

“The Nigeria Police, DSS, Nigerian Army, NSCDC and other security agencies must strictly adhere to this directive, while INEC must be given every necessary support to conclude the process and deliver a credible and transparent outcome,” Adeleke said.

He added, “The people of Osun State have spoken with one voice, and their voices must be heard. Their votes must be protected, and their mandate must be respected.”

Adeleke also commended voters for turning out for the election and urged security agencies to remain vigilant as results move from polling units to wards and local government collation centres.

“Against all odds, the people of Osun State have turned out in large numbers and are speaking with one voice. The safety and protection of our people is paramount,” he said.

“I commend the security agencies deployed for this election and urge them to remain vigilant as we move into the collation of results; from polling units to wards to local government areas.”

The governor further called on INEC to maintain high standards throughout the collation process.

“I also call on INEC to uphold the highest standards of integrity throughout this process,” he said.

Adeleke said the Federal Government had provided adequate security for the election and expressed confidence in the institutions involved.

“The federal government has provided adequate security, and I am confident in the professionalism of all institutions involved,” he said.

He appealed to residents to remain peaceful and law-abiding as the collation continues.

“To every Osun citizen: I urge you to remain peaceful, law-abiding, and committed to this democratic moment,” Adeleke concluded.