Don’t Allow Rejected Politicians Hijack Osun Mandate – Adeleke Tells Tinubu

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called on President Bola Tinubu to take steps to prevent what he described as alleged attempts by “desperate and rejected politicians” to disrupt or hijack collation centres during the ongoing collation of results from Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Adeleke made the appeal in a social media post on Saturday as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) commenced the collation of results from the election.

The governor specifically urged President Tinubu to issue what he described as a clear warning to the heads of security agencies deployed to Osun State to ensure the protection of the electoral process and the safety of the people.

“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,” Adeleke said.

He said reports of alleged attempts to interfere with the collation process were concerning, particularly in view of the large deployment of security personnel to the state for the election.

“Reports of attempts to hijack or disrupt collation centres by desperate and rejected politicians across the state are deeply concerning and unacceptable, particularly given the large number of security personnel deployed to ensure a peaceful and credible election,” he said.

Adeleke appealed to the President to reaffirm his commitment to ensuring that the votes cast by residents of Osun State would be respected and that the final outcome would reflect the choice of the electorate.

“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,” the governor said.

The governor also urged the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies deployed for the election to adhere to the President’s directive and ensure that the electoral process was adequately protected.

He further called for the necessary support for INEC to enable the commission complete the collation and declaration process in a manner he described as credible and transparent.

According to Adeleke, the outcome of the election should reflect the wishes of the people after the electoral process is concluded.

“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,” he added. (Daily trust)