Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed confidence in securing a second term at the August 15, 2026 governorship election, citing his administration’s record in infrastructure, workers’ welfare and public service reforms.
Speaking in an interview ahead of the election, Adeleke said his government had made significant progress in addressing financial obligations inherited from previous administrations, particularly outstanding half-salary and pension liabilities.
He disclosed that his administration had cleared more than two-thirds of the inherited half-salary debt and paid over ₦80 billion in pension liabilities.
Adeleke recalled that his predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola, had argued in 2022 that the accumulated obligations could not be cleared. He, however, said his administration had shown that difficult financial challenges could be overcome with the political will to act.
The governor also highlighted measures introduced to improve workers’ welfare and reform the public service, claiming that Osun workers had endorsed his re-election bid.
Addressing questions about his frequent dancing and singing, Adeleke dismissed suggestions that the activities had affected his performance in office.
He explained that dancing was largely an expression of gratitude to God, while singing remained a personal hobby.
“There are times to work and time to play. In the almost four years of my governorship, I have delivered beyond expectations.”
Adeleke identified workers’ welfare as one of the achievements he was most proud of, particularly his administration’s efforts to address the challenges confronting pensioners and public servants.
He maintained that protecting citizens’ welfare should be a government’s foremost responsibility, adding that he was satisfied with his administration’s record in that area.
Among the major projects he listed were the construction of 350 kilometres of roads, three flyover bridges and six dualised roads, alongside the rehabilitation of more than 200 primary healthcare centres and 150 schools.
He also cited the establishment of the University of Ilesa, acquisition of 31 new tractors and the disbursement of almost ₦2 billion through cooperative funds as notable accomplishments.
On the violence reported ahead of the election, Adeleke accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of resorting to violence because, in his view, the party had little to campaign with after losing public confidence during its previous years in government.
He alleged that seven members of his party had been killed and more than 20 injured in gun attacks, while claiming that over 60 Accord Party members were being held in illegal police detention.
The governor further alleged that some police officers were assisting APC thugs in attacks against Accord members.
He also expressed concern over what he described as the partisan conduct of the police ahead of Saturday’s election, alleging that his supporters were being arrested.
Adeleke said he had alerted President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police over reports alleging possible police involvement in attempts to manipulate the election.
“The job of the police is to provide security not to interfere in the electoral process. I am asking for a free and fair election. Nothing more.”
He urged the military, police, DSS, Civil Defence and other security agencies deployed for the election to remain neutral and provide equal protection to all political parties.
The governor called on security personnel to prevent thuggery rather than empower political thugs, stressing that their duty was to protect the integrity of the electoral process.
Adeleke also urged Osun voters to shun violence, cast their ballots and remain at their polling units to monitor the counting of votes.
He advised voters to follow the results through the various collation centres and remain vigilant in protecting their votes.
Appealing for another term, Adeleke argued that his administration’s record justified a further four years in office.
“One good term deserves another,” he said.
