‘I Am A Bulldozer’ — Adeleke Vows Victory In Osun Election

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, who is seeking a second term under the Accord party, on Tuesday defended his administration’s record at an Arise News town hall, listing achievements in healthcare, roads and workers’ welfare, while dismissing claims that his government has concentrated development in his hometown, Ede, ahead of Saturday’s election.

Speaking on healthcare, Adeleke said, “As of today, we have upgraded and rehabilitated over 200 primary healthcare facilities to global standards equipped with electricity and clean water.”

On road infrastructure, he added, “As I’m speaking to you, I did not only build roads across Osun, I installed them with solar lights, this we did, to provide security and enhance economic development,” noting that “qualified engineers have certified our projects to be of world class standards.”

Responding to persistent commentary about his dancing, the governor explained it as a family trait rather than a distraction from work.

“I dance because in my family, we are jolly good fellow,” he said.

“As I am dancing, I am working. There is time for everything, there is time to dance and there is time to work.

Dancing does not stop me from working. I have delivered across all sectors,” he added.

On security ahead of the poll, Adeleke acknowledged recent challenges but expressed confidence in the electorate.

“Despite recent security challenges, I am confident that Osun people will come out to vote and defend their votes,” he said, adding: “I appreciate all the security deployments to ensure free and fair election in Osun.

“I enjoin the good people of Osun State to go out and vote peacefully on Saturday.

“We are confident of victory, with the job we have done in the last three and half years,” he said.

Speaking on his political trajectory, the governor said he left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for Accord due to internal crisis within the PDP.

“I left the PDP to join Accord because of the crisis in the PDP then. I love PDP so much and it was difficult to leave,” he said.

He stated that, “I would have run as an independent candidate in this election if it is allowed in Nigeria.”

On a recent EFCC freeze order placed on the state government’s account, Adeleke said, “I appreciate Mr. President’s call during the recent EFCC freeze order on the state government’s account. I was promised a free and fair election by President Tinubu.”

Addressing the scale of opposition against him, the governor said he was unfazed despite contesting against a party with 34 state governors.

“I am not worried that I am contesting against a party that has 34 Governors, I am a bulldozer,” he said.

He added, “If they like they should bring all their Governors, they are all my friends. They are not the one to come and vote here, they can only support their party.”

On state policing, Adeleke reaffirmed his long-standing support for the policy.

“I believe in State Police, when I was in the Senate, I was part of the people that pushed for it.

“I can confidently say that under me as Governor, State Police will not be abused,” he said.

Responding to allegations of vote buying, the governor said his administration lacked the resources for such practices.

“As an administration, we do not have the resources to engage in vote buying. We have been using state resources to pay local government workers since our local government allocation was withheld almost two years ago,” he said.

According to him, “I do not need to buy votes to win the election. I have been giving workers palliative since 2023. I believe in my work to speak for me.”

On claims that his administration has favoured his hometown, Ede – a trend critics have dubbed ‘Edenization’ – Adeleke dismissed the allegation as false.

“Reports of Edenization in our administration are false. Yesterday, I just commissioned a flyover in Ile Ife and I am not from Ile Ife,” he said.

“I have commissioned dualized roads in Ila Orangun, Iwo, Osogbo, Ilesa etc, all built by our administration,” asking, “Should I abandon Ede because it is my town?”