By Happy Bayo | National News

Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, has declared that he is not intimidated by alleged Federal Government support for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

Adeleke, who described himself as a “bulldozer,” said he was prepared to confront what he described as the influence of the Federal Government and governors campaigning for his major opponent.

The governor made the declaration on Tuesday during the Arise Townhall Meeting, where he expressed confidence that the presence of serving governors in the state would not determine the outcome of the election.

“I am a bulldozer. I am talk and do. I am not afraid of federal might and governors backing the APC candidate. If they like, they should bring all the governors,” Adeleke said.

He maintained that many of the governors supporting the APC candidate were his friends, stressing that their participation in the campaign would not translate into votes on election day.

“Those governors are my friends. I am a civilised administrator. They won’t vote; they can only come and dance, and after the election, we will meet,” he added.

Adeleke also dismissed allegations that his administration had militarised Osun State, arguing that he lacked the constitutional authority to deploy the armed forces.

“I did not militarise Osun. I have no such capacity. I am not the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” the governor said.

His comments came amid intensified campaigns by political parties and candidates across Osun State ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The election has generated heightened political activity, with the major parties stepping up mobilisation and efforts to secure the support of voters across the state.

Adeleke is seeking another term in office against candidates, including the APC’s Bola Oyebamiji and other contenders in the closely watched poll.