Governor Adeleke Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful LG Polls, Warns Against Violence
Osogbo – Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has assured all stakeholders of the state government’s non-interference in the upcoming local government elections scheduled for February 22, 2025. The governor also warned against any form of violence, urging political parties to focus on issue-based campaigns.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke commended the peaceful conduct of campaigns so far and encouraged candidates to engage voters with their manifestos rather than resorting to intimidation or coercion.
“As a government, we are committed to free and fair elections. We have monitored the preparations by the state electoral commission and affirm our respect for its independence in conducting credible polls,” the governor stated.
Emphasizing the high literacy level of Osun residents, Adeleke noted that misinformation and misrepresentation of legal processes must be avoided. He cautioned against the spread of fake news, warning that it is a punishable offence under the law.
The governor also revealed credible intelligence reports suggesting that some opposition elements were planning to incite violence ahead of the elections. He issued a strong warning to such individuals, stating that security agencies had been directed to act decisively against any threats to peace.
“I warn those plotting such evil to desist because of its grave consequences. As the Chief Security Officer of this state, I have directed security agencies to deal decisively with any promoter of violence within the context of the rule of law. We will not allow this state to be plunged into unnecessary conflict,” Adeleke declared.
Reaffirming Osun State’s reputation as a stronghold of democracy, Governor Adeleke encouraged voters to come out peacefully on February 22 to cast their votes for their preferred candidates.
“Democracy is about ballot papers, not guns and cutlasses. Go to the polls and make your preference known in a peaceful manner. Osun remains a bastion of democracy, and we are prepared to protect and defend our democratic heritage,” he concluded.
The Osun State local government elections are expected to be keenly contested, with political parties and candidates gearing up for the exercise.
