By Kolawole Omotola Olaide
Renowned businessman and elder brother of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, Dr. Deji Adeleke, has appealed to security agencies and election officials to remain impartial during the forthcoming Osun State governorship election.
Speaking at the 12th Convocation Ceremony of Adeleke University, Ede, Dr. Adeleke expressed concern over allegations of electoral malpractice involving some police officers and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members. He urged all officials assigned to election duties to uphold integrity and discharge their responsibilities without bias.
According to him, election rigging, vote manipulation and violence continue to damage Nigeria’s democratic image and discourage foreign investors from bringing capital into the country.
Dr. Adeleke recalled that international investors had previously raised concerns about Nigeria’s electoral process, warning that elections tainted by violence and fraud weaken confidence in the nation’s economy.
He noted that with 3,763 polling units across Osun State, it is impossible for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman to personally supervise every polling unit, stressing that electoral officers and security personnel must resist any attempt to compromise the voting process.
He lamented that some officials allegedly accept inducements to alter election results while others provide support for such acts, adding that innocent lives have been lost because of electoral disputes.
Describing the situation as unfortunate, the businessman said Nigerians are highly talented and capable people, but the country’s reputation continues to suffer because of electoral misconduct. He maintained that Nigeria can still restore confidence in its democratic system by ensuring that every vote counts.
Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor of Adeleke University, Professor Solomon Adebola, disclosed that a total of 1,375 students graduated during the institution’s 12th convocation ceremony. He explained that 1,211 students earned undergraduate degrees, including 190 First Class graduates, while 164 students completed various postgraduate programmes.
