Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared that his administration has neither the financial capacity nor the intention to engage in vote-buying ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
Adeleke, who is seeking re-election, said he does not need to buy votes because his performance in office should be enough to convince voters to support him.
The governor explained that the state’s finances have been stretched by the responsibility of paying local government workers, whose allocations he said have been withheld for nearly two years.
According to him, the financial burden has left the government with little room to engage in the kind of spending associated with vote-buying.
Adeleke also pointed to the palliatives his administration has provided to workers since 2023, saying residents have had ample opportunity to assess his record.
He expressed confidence that voters would judge his administration based on its achievements rather than financial inducements on election day.
The governor further urged Osun residents to reject intimidation and come out in large numbers to exercise their constitutional right to vote.
His comments come as tension mounts ahead of the August 15 election, with concerns over vote-buying, political violence and the credibility of the electoral process dominating the campaign.
Adeleke is facing a strong challenge from APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji and ADC candidate Najeem Salaam as the three major contenders intensify their final push for victory.
