Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has disclosed that President Bola Tinubu personally telephoned him during the recent Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) freeze order on the state government's account, using the call to promise a free and fair election ahead of the Osun governorship poll.
Governor Adeleke, who is seeking re-election on the Accord Party ticket, made the revelation on Monday, August 11, 2026, via his official X account. In his post, he wrote: "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."
Political Tensions Rise in Osun
The disclosure comes amid heightened political tension in Osun State following the EFCC's freeze order on the state government's accounts. The governor's direct opposition to Tinubu's All Progressives Congress (APC) adds another layer of complexity to the upcoming governorship election, which is scheduled to hold on Saturday.
The EFCC freeze order had earlier sparked widespread controversy, with many interpreting it as a politically motivated move to undermine Adeleke's re-election campaign. The governor's public acknowledgment of the presidential call has now intensified the debate over the independence of the electoral process.
Nigerians Question Tinubu's Promise
The governor's post drew sharp reactions from Nigerians online, with many questioning whether Tinubu could be trusted to deliver on such a promise. Critics argued that the President does not have the authority to guarantee electoral fairness, given that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the constitutional body responsible for conducting elections.
@flourish007 wrote: "A point of correction, Mr. Governor: it is not the President's role to 'promise' a free and fair election; you cannot promise what you do not control. He should allow INEC to operate unhindered and instruct his party's hired thugs to stand down. We reject any falsified results."
@jpobiokafor was blunt: "Tinubu promising you free and fair election?"
@yunghuyt questioned the governor's trust in the president, writing: "How can someone who didn't get into office with a free and fair election promise you a free and fair election and you believed him?"
Calls for Grassroots Mobilisation
Some commentators urged the governor to rely on state security mechanisms rather than federal assurances. @Akolawole_8 wrote: "THE PEOPLE LOVE YOU, SIR. ALL THEY NEED FROM YOU IS THEIR SAFETY. IF THE APC HAS BOUGHT THE NPF. MAKE USE OF THE STATE ÀMỌ̀TẸ́KÙN TO SECURE THE VOTE OF THE PEOPLE."
@Akpoyibo16 warned: "Dey play, by the time he has rewritten your state election results you go learn. Tinubu no dey play with your office, he want to hijack it with speed, know this and know peace."
@Hassan_xas expressed support ahead of polling day: "We're moving accordingly on Saturday. Me and my family we're all voting for Governor Ademola Adeleke (Accord) on Saturday."
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that politician and media executive Babatunde Michael Abimboye urged Adeleke and the Imole Campaign Council to focus more on grassroots mobilisation and citizen participation rather than relying on assurances from the Federal Government. Speaking with journalists in Lagos, Abimboye said recent developments in Osun raised concerns about the political atmosphere and security situation, underscoring the need for the governor to secure the people's votes through local strategies.
The development highlights the deep mistrust surrounding the electoral process in Osun, with many observers watching closely to see whether Tinubu's promise will translate into a genuinely free and fair election on Saturday.
