Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has raised concerns over alleged attempts to intimidate voters and manipulate the ongoing governorship election, while expressing confidence that the exercise will remain peaceful.
Adeleke spoke shortly after casting his ballot at his polling unit in Ede, where he said the voting process had been smooth and expressed hope that the situation would remain peaceful across the state.
However, the governor alleged that there were attempts to disrupt the election and influence voters at some polling locations.
Adeleke specifically accused a police officer of carrying out what he described as a “hatchet job” allegedly aimed at intimidating voters and discouraging them from turning out to vote.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police to redeploy the officer, arguing that the alleged conduct could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.
The governor also alleged that fake ballot papers were being circulated and claimed that some police personnel were harassing voters in Modakeke.
Adeleke urged the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies to ensure that the collation and declaration of results strictly followed due process, from the polling unit through the ward and local government levels.
Despite the concerns raised, the governor remained optimistic about his chances at the polls.
“God is on my side,” Adeleke said, expressing confidence that he would emerge victorious at the end of the election.