Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday officially launched his campaign for the August 15 governorship election, declaring his readiness for another electoral contest while welcoming former members of the All Progressives Congress who recently defected to his political camp.
The campaign flag-off, held in Osogbo, attracted a large crowd of supporters, party faithful, political stakeholders and defectors from rival parties who gathered to demonstrate support for the governor’s re-election bid.
The event marked the formal commencement of Adeleke’s campaign activities ahead of what is expected to be a keenly contested governorship election in the state.
A major highlight of the rally was the presentation of the Accord Party flag to the governor by the party’s National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, symbolically affirming the party’s endorsement of Adeleke’s candidacy.
Addressing thousands of supporters at the gathering, the governor expressed confidence that the Accord Party would participate fully in the election and assured party members that every vote cast in support of the party would count.
Adeleke used the occasion to rally supporters, urging them not to be discouraged by political developments or legal disputes surrounding the electoral process.
“Let me start by assuring you all – Accord will be on the ballot; your votes will count; and I will be re-elected as your governor on August 15th,” he declared to loud cheers from the crowd.
The governor said his political team was utilizing all lawful and constitutional means to safeguard democratic rights and ensure that citizens retain their freedom to vote and be voted for.
According to him, no amount of political pressure or intimidation would deter his supporters from pursuing victory at the polls.
“All lawful means are being deployed to sustain and retain our rights to vote and be voted for. We will not bow to dark forces; we remain courageous, and we shall again be victorious by the special grace of God,” Adeleke stated.
The governor further urged his supporters to remain optimistic and continue mobilising voters across the state, emphasizing that the campaign should extend to every ward, polling unit and community.
He encouraged party members to maintain momentum in the weeks leading to the election, describing the campaign as a movement aimed at sustaining what he called the gains of his administration.
“I charge you to hold your head high. There should be no dull moments. From this assembly for democracy, the light of good governance must continue to spread to all corners of Osun State,” he said.
The governor called on party loyalists to intensify grassroots mobilization efforts, urging them to engage residents directly and communicate the achievements of his administration.
“Go out to all voting units, mobilise for the Accord. Our party remains a duly registered political party in this country,” Adeleke added.
The rally also witnessed the formal reception of former APC members who recently defected from the opposition party. The governor welcomed the defectors, describing their decision as a sign of growing confidence in his administration and political vision for the state.
Supporters at the rally celebrated the arrival of the new members, viewing the defections as a boost to Adeleke’s campaign structure ahead of the governorship election.
Beyond campaign matters, Adeleke also addressed recent political and legal developments concerning local government administration in the state.
Commenting on a ruling delivered by the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, which reportedly removed chairmen currently administering council areas across the state, the governor took a firm position on the implementation of the court’s decision.
He directed the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to cease providing protection to the affected council chairmen.
The governor argued that public institutions and law enforcement agencies should respect judicial decisions and act in accordance with the rule of law.
His remarks immediately drew attention from political observers, given the ongoing disputes surrounding local government administration and political control at the grassroots level in the state.
Analysts believe the local government issue could emerge as one of the major talking points in the governorship campaign as political parties seek to influence public opinion ahead of the election.
The campaign launch underscored the increasingly intense political atmosphere in Osun State as parties prepare for the August 15 poll.
Observers noted that Adeleke’s confidence at the rally reflected his determination to secure a second term, while the presence of defectors signaled ongoing political realignments within the state.
Supporters at the event praised the governor’s administration and expressed optimism about his chances of victory, while party leaders vowed to intensify campaign activities across all local government areas.
With just weeks remaining before voters head to the polls, the governorship race is expected to witness heightened political engagement, campaign rallies and strategic alliances as candidates seek to convince residents that they offer the best path forward for the state.
For Adeleke, Tuesday’s rally served not only as the official launch of his re-election campaign but also as a declaration of confidence that his party remains a formidable force in Osun politics and is prepared to contest vigorously for another mandate from the people.
