Osun Commissioner Urges Tinubu’s Intervention, Alleges Plot to Disrupt August Polls

…Hon. Biyi Odunlade Blames Rising Conflicts on Opposition, Accuses Security Agencies of Compromise

The Osun State Commissioner for Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon. Biyi Odunlade, made a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, urging him to intervene and ensure the upcoming August 15 governorship election in the state is conducted in a free and fair manner.

Speaking at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Guest Platform in Osogbo, Odunlade commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for his patience and commitment to peace despite the rising political tensions in the state. He, however, painted a troubling picture of the state’s security landscape, asserting that desperate opposition parties are deliberately instigating conflicts to destabilize the state.

The Commissioner specifically alleged that the ongoing leadership crisis within the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) is not a spontaneous dispute but a “calculated attempt” to disrupt the electoral process. “The crisis in the NURTW is orchestrated. It is organised and programmed to hijack power from the sitting government by creating fear and instability,” Odunlade stated. He claimed the goal is to intimidate voters and create an atmosphere where people will be afraid to come out on election day, potentially leading to a low voter turnout.

Odunlade also leveled serious accusations against federal security agencies, alleging they have been compromised and are failing to act impartially. He questioned the commitment of the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, noting his frequent absence from crucial security meetings in the state.

In his address, Odunlade stressed that the people of Osun State should be allowed to decide their next governor through their votes, without external interference. “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 appealed.

The Commissioner further defended Governor Adeleke’s administration, highlighting its achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, and prompt payment of salaries as a testament to its performance, which he believes will be the true determining factor at the polls . He challenged the opposition to let the people speak for themselves at the ballot box, stating that Governor Adeleke’s record in office speaks for itself.