According to a report by The Punch on Monday, August 10, 2026, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, of threatening to rig Saturday's governorship election, following remarks the minister made while addressing APC supporters over the weekend.
In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke reacted to comments Oyetola made in Yoruba, telling APC stakeholders that Adeleke's endorsement of President Bola Tinubu would not save his administration from defeat.
Oyetola, who lost the 2022 governorship race to Adeleke, declared, "If you like, make 10 endorsements, we will collect this one from you," while also vowing that the APC would "snatch" the seat back.
Adeleke described the comments as an "open threat" against a free and fair poll, urging democracy advocates to take note.
He insisted his endorsement of Tinubu proved his electoral strength and his capacity to deliver Osun's votes to the President in 2027, arguing that Oyetola's conduct was instead damaging Tinubu's image in the state.
The governor accused the minister of mocking Accord party members allegedly killed and injured by APC thugs in recent months.
"The minister has personally confirmed all previous reports that Osun APC has lost the electoral confidence of the people and is therefore focused only on rigging next Saturday," Adeleke's statement read.
He further warned that residents would resist any attempt to manipulate the outcome of the August 15 election, insisting the APC's candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, would suffer the same rejection Oyetola faced in 2022.
"We are not going to snatch the democratic rights of the people as Mr Oyetola had threatened. We will be re-elected by the choice of the voters," Adeleke declared, expressing confidence in victory through popular support.
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