Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, of threatening to manipulate the outcome of the August 15 governorship election.
Adeleke made the allegation in a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in response to comments made by Oyetola during a meeting with All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders and supporters in Osun State.
Oyetola, a former governor of the state, had urged Adeleke to prepare to concede defeat in the election, insisting that the APC was determined to reclaim the governorship seat.
The minister, who lost his re-election bid to Adeleke in the 2022 governorship election, also dismissed the significance of Adeleke's recent endorsement of President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election.
Oyetola argued that the governor's endorsement of Tinubu would not stop the APC from defeating the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Osun governorship contest.
His comments followed allegations by Adeleke that APC members and Accord Party supporters were being subjected to intimidation ahead of the election.
Speaking in Yoruba, Oyetola said the governor's complaints indicated that he had become aware that his political influence in the state was declining.
He said Adeleke's endorsement of the APC and Tinubu would not save his administration from defeat.
“If you like, make 10 endorsements, we will collect this one from you,” Oyetola said. Reacting, Adeleke interpreted the minister's statement that the APC would “collect” the governorship seat as an indication of plans to manipulate the election.
The governor described the remarks as an “open threat” against the conduct of a free and credible election and called on democracy advocates and relevant authorities to pay attention to the development.
Adeleke specifically interpreted Oyetola's Yoruba expression, “A maa gba lowo e,” as meaning that the APC would “snatch it from him.”
The governor also argued that his decision to endorse President Tinubu demonstrated his political strength and his ability to mobilise support for the President ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to Adeleke, the endorsement was evidence of his willingness to work across political lines in the interest of Osun State and the President's re-election bid.
Adeleke Accuses Oyetola Of Undermining APC. Beyond the election controversy, Adeleke accused Oyetola of damaging the reputation of the Tinubu administration and weakening the APC's support base in Osun State.
The governor described the minister's activities as “anti-people” and “anti-democracy,” alleging that they were contributing to the growing dissatisfaction with the APC among residents.
“Oyetola's anti-people, anti-democracy activities are tarnishing the image of Mr President and deepening the unpopularity of Osun APC among voters and residents,” Adeleke said.
He further maintained that Oyetola's remarks had effectively reinforced previous allegations that the APC was more focused on manipulating the electoral process than winning the confidence of voters.
“A serving minister of the Republic had made an open threat against a free and fair election,” the governor said.
Adeleke urged electoral authorities and security agencies to ensure that the August 15 election is conducted peacefully and transparently, warning against any attempt to undermine the will of Osun voters.
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