…boasts of victory across 28 local governments
By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared that the people of Osun State will use the 2026 governorship election as a tool to punish politicians seeking power by inflicting hardship on the populace, particularly those responsible for the illegal seizure of state funds.
In a New Year message released on Thursday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke warned opposition elements that there are no shortcuts to power in a true democracy, asserting that the electorate is ready to reject those who have weaponized suffering against the state.
Describing 2026 as a defining moment for Osun, the Governor stressed that voters are aware of the dark forces attempting to plunge the state into chaos and will respond decisively at the polls.
“Those seeking power through inflicting hardship on Osun people will fail at the polls. People will surely use their votes to punish those behind the illegal seizure of Osun funds. There can be no shortcut to power in a true democracy; the votes and voices of the people are the undiluted channels,” the Governor stated.
Adeleke urged the citizenry to rise in defense of their constitutional rights, noting that while the state faced challenges in 2025 due to externally induced constraints, the new year represents an era of liberation from obstacles impeding good governance.
He called for intense electoral vigilance and activism to ensure that the will of the people prevails against those beating drums of war.
“Election is not war; it is the exercise of sovereignty by the people. This is a democracy where people reserve the right to vote for leaders of their choice. Any attempt to deny the people their rights to vote amounts to undermining the democratic life of the state,” he added.
Expressing confidence in his administration’s track record, Adeleke vowed to lead the people to another victory in the August 2026 polls.
He predicted a landslide win, asserting that his reliance on God and his service to the people would see him defeat his challengers in more than 28 of the 30 local government areas in the state.