Adeleke Camp Speaks on Heavy Military, Police Presence in Osun
The Imole Campaign Council (TICC), the campaign organisation of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appealed to residents not to panic over the heavy presence of military personnel, police officers and other security operatives across the state ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
This was just as the council submitted that the deployment was intended to protect lives and property, secure the electoral process and maintain peace before, during and after the poll.
In a statement issued on Thursday, August 13, 2026, and signed by its spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, the campaign council acknowledged growing concerns among residents over the sight of security convoys and personnel patrolling major streets across the state.
“Given the heightened atmosphere as we gradually draw closer to the poll, we understand that this visible presence of military and other security personnel on our streets may raise questions and, for some, even concerns,” the statement said.
The council, however, urged residents to remain calm, describing the security deplogyment as a proactive measure designed to create a safe environment for voters to exercise their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation.
According to the TICC, the presence of security personnel was “not to instill fear but to inspire confidence” and “not intended to suppress voters but to protect them.”
It consequently called on residents to go about their normal activities and turn out in large numbers to vote on election day.
“We therefore urge Osun people to go about their normal activities without fear as the security personnel have a responsibility to guarantee their safety and ensure an atmosphere of peace and order before and during the election,” the council said.
The campaign council said it had consistently advocated a peaceful governorship election, expressing confidence that the deployment of security personnel could help create an atmosphere in which voters would be free to choose their preferred candidates.
It also appealed to residents to obey the law and treat security personnel with courtesy, particularly at checkpoints.
The TICC urged residents to provide security agencies with actionable intelligence on suspected criminal hideouts and other activities that could threaten the peaceful conduct of the election.
Parents and guardians were equally advised to warn their children and wards against participating in activities capable of disrupting the poll.
The council cautioned that individuals who engage in such acts could face a forceful response from security agencies.
While backing lawful security measures, the campaign council also called on security agencies deployed across Osun to maintain professionalism and impartiality throughout the electoral process.
It stressed that security personnel must remain focused on protecting citizens and safeguarding the integrity of the election.
The TICC added that it would cooperate with every lawful measure aimed at ensuring that the governorship election is free, credible, peaceful and reflective of the will of Osun voters.
Recall that Olajengbesi had earlier threatened to institute a N10 billion lawsuit against the senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Francis Fadahunsi, over alleged defamation and injurious falsehood.
In a letter dated August 12, 2026, and written by his lawyer, Hammed Lasisi, the campaign council spokesperson accused Fadahunsi of making malicious and damaging statements about him during live television interviews on August 11.
Olajengbesi described the remarks as defamatory and capable of causing serious damage to his reputation.
He demanded an immediate retraction of the statements and an unequivocal public apology within 24 hours.
The letter warned that failure to comply with the demands within the stipulated period would prompt Olajengbesi to commence legal proceedings against the lawmaker.
