JUST IN: “I Am a Bulldozer, Not Afraid of Federal Might and APC Governors” — Adeleke Declares

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

Adeleke made the declaration on Tuesday during the Arise Townhall Meeting, where he described himself as a “bulldozer” and vowed that the political influence of his opponents would not determine the outcome of the election.

The governor said he was prepared to face what he described as “federal might” as well as the governors mobilising support for the APC candidate.

«“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.»

According to him, the presence of governors campaigning for his opponent would not automatically translate into votes on election day.

Adeleke described the governors as his friends, saying they were free to visit Osun and campaign for their party but would ultimately not be the ones deciding the winner of the election.

«“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 said.»

The governor’s comments came as political activities intensified across Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, with the leading parties stepping up their campaigns and voter mobilisation efforts.

Adeleke is seeking another term on the platform of the Accord Party after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while the APC is campaigning to wrest control of the state from the incumbent administration.

The election has attracted significant attention because of the involvement of prominent political figures and the wider contest between the incumbent government and opposition forces.

Adeleke also rejected allegations that his administration had militarised Osun State, arguing that the deployment of the armed forces was beyond his constitutional powers.

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

The governor’s remarks form part of his broader defence of his administration as he makes a final push for votes ahead of Saturday’s poll.

With only days remaining before the election, attention is increasingly focused on voter mobilisation, security arrangements and the ability of the various parties to convert their campaign structures into votes at the polling units.

Adeleke’s declaration that he is not intimidated by the political and federal backing enjoyed by his opponents is expected to further heighten an already competitive race as Osun voters prepare to choose their governor for the next four years.