Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused the Nigeria Police Force of direct political bias ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, appealing directly to President Bola Tinubu and security chiefs to guarantee a free and fair contest.
Speaking at a television town hall meeting on Tuesday, the governor, who is seeking re-election on the Accord Party platform after defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) due to internal strife, alleged that officers were actively harassing his supporters.
“On a daily basis, the police are arresting my members,” Adeleke said, claiming that four Accord leaders were detained on Monday alone and dozens more remain in custody. He added that the violence had left seven party members dead and over 20 injured from gunshot wounds.
Adeleke urged voters to reject violence during the 15 August poll, expressing confidence despite running against a ruling party backed by dozens of state governors. He also noted President Tinubu’s personal intervention following a recent account freeze by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), stating he had been promised a level playing field.
Defence of his administration’s track record formed the core of his re-election pitch. Adeleke revealed his government had cleared over ₦80 billion in inherited pension liabilities alongside more than two-thirds of outstanding half-salary arrears.
Beyond clearing inherited debts, Adeleke highlighted extensive infrastructure and social development projects, including 350 kilometres of road construction, three flyover bridges, six dualisation projects, the establishment of the University of Ilesa, and the overhaul of 200 primary healthcare centres and 150 schools.