JUST IN: There is plot to hijack Osun collation centres, Adeleke raises alarm

Ademola Adeleke, governor of Osun State, has called on President Bola Tinubu to prevent what he described as attempts by “desperate and rejected politicians” to disrupt or hijack collation centres across the state.

Adeleke made the call in a social media post on Saturday as the collation of results from the Osun governorship election commenced.

The governor urged Tinubu to issue a clear directive to the heads of security agencies deployed to the state to protect the electoral process and ensure the peaceful collation of results.

“It is imperative that you use your good office to issue a clear warning to the heads of security agencies deployed to protect the good people of Osun State and safeguard the integrity of the electoral process,” Adeleke said.

“Reports of attempts to hijack or disrupt collation centres by desperate and rejected politicians across the state are deeply concerning and unacceptable, particularly given the large number of security personnel deployed to ensure a peaceful and credible election.”

Adeleke also appealed to Tinubu to reaffirm his commitment that the votes cast by Osun residents would count and that the final outcome would reflect their choice.

“I therefore implore you to reiterate the commitment made to the people of Osun State that their votes will count and that the outcome of this election will reflect their genuine choice,” he said.

The governor urged the Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), Nigerian Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and other security agencies to comply with the President’s directive.

He also called on the security agencies to provide the necessary support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conclude the electoral process and announce what he described as a credible and transparent outcome.

Adeleke further urged all stakeholders to respect the mandate of the people after the conclusion of the election.

“The people of Osun State have spoken with one voice, and their voices must be heard. Their votes must be protected, and their mandate must be respected,” he added.