Osun Commissioner Urges Tinubu to Ensure Free, Fair Governorship Election

By Omidiran Seun

The Osun State Commissioner for Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Biyi Odunlade, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure a free, fair and credible governorship election in the state.

Odunlade made the call on Wednesday in Osogbo while speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Guest Platform.

The commissioner commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for his patience, restraint and commitment to peace despite rising political tension in the state.

According to him, Governor Adeleke has consistently demonstrated that no political office is worth the blood of any Osun citizen and has remained committed to peaceful democratic processes.

Speaking on the security situation, Odunlade accused opposition parties of fuelling political unrest ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

He alleged that the lingering leadership crisis in the National Union of Road Transport Workers, NURTW, was deliberately orchestrated to create instability and discourage voter participation.

“The crisis in the NURTW is orchestrated. It is organised and programmed to hijack power from the sitting government by creating fear and instability. The aim is to intimidate voters and create an atmosphere where people will be afraid to come out and vote,” he alleged.

The commissioner also raised concerns over the conduct of security agencies, alleging a lack of impartiality in handling political developments in the state. He specifically faulted the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, for rarely attending government security meetings in person.

Odunlade urged the opposition to allow the people of Osun to freely determine who governs them through the ballot box.

He called on President Tinubu to prevent external interference in the electoral process and ensure that the will of the people is respected without intimidation or manipulation.

“The President should allow Osun people to decide who governs them. Let the state breathe. Democracy is about allowing the people to make their choice freely,” he said.

He reiterated the state government’s commitment to a peaceful election and called on all political stakeholders to place the interest of democracy and the safety of citizens above partisan considerations.