Osun Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has declared that no individual or group can manipulate the outcome of the August 15 governorship election, insisting that the votes of the people will determine the winner.

Adeleke made the declaration on Monday while addressing supporters at a campaign rally in Oke-Ila, Ifedayo Local Government Area of the state.

The governor dismissed claims that the election could be rigged, saying Osun voters would defend their mandate.

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“I heard some politicians vowing to steal the votes. Where and how? Osun votes are untouchable. This is Osun State, the heart of the Yoruba nation. Nobody can rig us out here,” he said.

Expressing confidence in his chances at the polls, Adeleke said the turnout at campaign rallies across the state reflected the level of public support for his administration.

“We are going round the state. The people are trooping out. The people’s votes will be defended. Their will on August 15 will become a reality. We are getting the votes; they are chasing motor parks,” he said.

The governor accused opposition politicians of plotting to manipulate the election and incite violence but maintained that the people of Osun were determined to protect their votes.

He described allegations of planned rigging as “fear mongering” and urged residents not to be intimidated.

“All rumours of rigging, violence and manipulation are mere fear mongering. We will vote and we will win this election,” he said.

Adeleke also appealed to eligible voters not to sell their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) and to remain vigilant throughout the electoral process.

He added that threats of violence had only strengthened the resolve of Osun residents to participate peacefully in the election.

“We are reaching across towns; they are holed up at their state secretariat. Our records speak for us; their records in office continue to hunt them. We have transformed our major towns and we are moving to upgrade our rural areas,” the governor said.

During his visit, Adeleke was received by traditional rulers, including the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin.

Speaking at a town hall meeting and palace visit in Ora-Igbomina and Oke-Ila, the monarch commended the governor’s performance, saying it reflected the significance of his traditional title, Soludero of Oke-Ila, meaning one who brings good governance to every corner of the community.

“Your Excellency, in your second term, Ifedayo presents your government with an ideal site to develop tourism and sporting facilities.

“The landscape and the terrain are conducive for a sports academy, mountain hiking and tourism resorts,” the monarch said.