Adeleke reveals why he nearly boycotted Osun peace signing

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has raised concerns over the reported detention of members of his political camp ahead of the state’s governorship election, questioning the circumstances surrounding their arrests.

Adeleke, who spoke during an interview, said the reported arrests had heightened concerns within his camp as the election approached, alleging that federal influence was being used to intimidate members and political opponents.

The governor also disclosed that he had been in contact with Bishop Matthew Kukah over a planned signing event, which he initially considered avoiding.

According to Adeleke, he eventually agreed to attend the event after Kukah personally appealed to him to be present.

He said only about 14 of those detained had subsequently been released, while Alaba Popoola, whom he described as his party’s candidate, remained in detention in Abuja.

“As I’m speaking to you, I’ve been talking to Bishop Matthew Kukah because I do not want to come to that signing. He said, ‘Please respect me’, that I should come. He said he should come and that he will start talking to them. They only released about 14. Our candidate, Alaba Popoola, is languishing in jail in Abuja,” Adeleke said.

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The governor questioned the rationale behind the reported arrests, asking why members of his political camp would be detained if his opponents were confident of defeating him through the ballot.

Adeleke alleged that authorities were deploying federal influence to intimidate, arrest and shoot political opponents, although he did not provide details in the remarks cited.

Despite what he described as attempts to intimidate his supporters, the governor said the development would not diminish his confidence ahead of the election.

He maintained that his administration’s record would ultimately influence voters, expressing confidence that the projects and policies implemented by his government would speak for themselves at the polls.

Adeleke also insisted that he remained optimistic about his chances of securing victory despite the reported arrests and political pressure.

His comments come amid heightened political tension in Osun ahead of the governorship election, with competing camps trading allegations over violence, intimidation and the activities of security agencies.

The governor’s claims regarding the detention of political associates are likely to intensify calls for transparency and strict adherence to due process as stakeholders prepare for the election.