Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on President Bola Tinubu, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to intervene over an alleged plan to withdraw security personnel from polling units and collation centres across the state. The governor made the demand on Saturday night, August 15, 2026, as vote counting continued following the governorship election.
Governor Alleges Security Withdrawal Directive
In a post on X, Adeleke said he had been informed that unidentified persons were directing the withdrawal of security agents from election locations. He warned that such a move could expose voters, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials, and other election personnel to danger.
“I have just been reliably informed that some unscrupulous persons have given a directive to withdraw security agents from polling units and collation centers across Osun State,” Adeleke said. He alleged that the development could leave voters and election officials vulnerable to attacks by people he described as “rampaging APC thugs.”
Adeleke Appeals for Urgent Federal Intervention
The governor appealed directly to the IGP and the DSS DG to prevent any action that could undermine the electoral process. “The IGP, DG DSS should not allow desperate politicians truncate Osun election,” he said. Adeleke also called on President Tinubu to intervene, urging federal authorities to ensure adequate security around polling units and collation centres. “Mr. President should intervene now!” he added.
His warning came as votes were being sorted and counted at polling units across Osun State following the election, which featured 14 candidates. Leading contenders include Adeleke of the Accord Party, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
Security Concerns Amid Vote Counting
As results continued to emerge, security remained a major concern in parts of the state, following reports of isolated violence and other incidents during the voting process. The allegations made by Adeleke had not been independently verified at the time of filing this report, and there was no immediate response from the police, DSS, or the APC on the governor's claim.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Osun State is heading into its most watched political contest in years, with 14 candidates on the ballot for the governorship election set for Saturday, August 15, 2026. While the field is broad, three candidates have emerged as the most prominent contenders: incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), and Najeem Salam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
