Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun has expressed confidence in victory in the August 15 governorship election, if it is conducted in a free and fair manner.

Adeleke stated this on Monday during his re-election campaign in Osogbo.

“With God on my side, I am confident of victory. If this election is free and fair, I will win,” he said.

The governor, who alleged that members of the Accord Party were being killed, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to direct the police to act professionally and impartially during the election.

“Mr President, something is happening in Osun that you need to know. Our people are being killed and, as our father, we are appealing to you.

“We will not accept any attempt to rig this election. Do not allow innocent people to be killed.

“Direct the police to act professionally and impartially.

“You fought for democracy, and I urge you not to allow anyone to destroy it.

“The international community is watching, and this election will be seen as a test ahead of the 2027 general elections,” he said.

Adeleke also urged the electorate to come out en masse on election day and vote for him.

“I urge all our supporters to come out on Aug. 15 and vote for me. Stand by your votes until the results are declared.

“I am ready for this election, and on election day, our revolution will be through the ballot box,” he said.

(NAN)

•Warns 2027 must not fall below Nigeria’s 2015 democratic standard

The presidential candidate of Accord Party Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has expressed deep concern and sadness over President Bola Tinubu’s remarks during his meeting with Catholic Bishops at the State House, Abuja, recently. 

Olawepo-Hashim, who is the Co-Chairman of Movement for Democratic Renewal, said the president’s public communication left him saddened rather than angry, adding that he listened repeatedly to the president’s remarks and came away with the impression that the Tinubu he heard was markedly different from the man he interacted with on several occasions between 2018 and 2021 .

“I listened to the recording over and over again. That was not the Bola Tinubu I knew between 2018 and 2021, I left deeply concerned. I am not making a medical diagnosis, but the President’s public communication gives me the impression that he may require genuine help .”

Hashim, who noted that his interest was not political, but human, said: “Unlike many Nigerians who are angry with him, I genuinely feel pity for President Tinubu. My greatest worry is that those around him appear more interested in securing another election than in giving him the attention that he deserves. 

‘’If they truly love him, they should put his comportment, wellbeing and the national interest above politics.’’

The issue-based politician warned that whatever challenges the President might be facing, must never become an excuse for undermining Nigeria’s democracy and stability. 

“While we express concern over the President’s recent public communication, let us also make one thing unmistakably clear, Nigeria must never return to the dark era when elections were won by every means necessary.”

He recalled that Nigeria set a historic democratic benchmark in 2015, when then President Goodluck Jonathan accepted defeat, conceded election and peacefully transferred power to the opposition.

“That election elevated Nigeria’s democratic standing before the world. Ironically, the beneficiary of that democratic maturity was the party that produced President Tinubu. History must not now be reversed,’’ he said.

Olawepo-Hashim declared that the 2027 general election must meet and surpass the 2015 standard of credibility.

He said: “Let it be heard loudly across Nigeria and beyond: any election that falls short of the 2015 democratic standard will not be acceptable to the Nigerian people or to Nigeria’s friends across the world.”

He called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, security agencies and all democratic institutions to discharge their constitutional responsibilities with absolute neutrality and professionalism.

“The credibility of 2027 will determine the future of our democracy. Nigeria needs free and fair elections, not coronations. Our institutions must serve the Constitution, not any individual or political party,’’ he said.

Hashim maintained that Nigeria’s democracy was bigger than any government, political party or individual ambition and selfish interest of some political cabals. 

He added: This is a defining moment. We owe future generations a democracy stronger than the one we inherited. Nigeria must move forward, not backwards.”

By Henry Umoru

Deputy Minority Whip of the Senate, Senator Rufai Hanga (Kano Central), has dumped his recently found party, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).

In a resignation letter dated August 3 and addressed to the NDC ward chairman in Najeria ward, Nasarawa LGA of Kano State, Hanga said his resignation takes immediate effect.

Recall that Senator Hanga, following the registration of NDC as a political party, followed his leader, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, from the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) to the NDC.

According to Hanga, he decided to leave the NDC after “careful reflection and personal deliberation”.

He said, “I am writing to formally notify you of my resignation from the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), effective from today, 3rd August 2026,” the letter reads.

“After careful reflection and personal deliberation, I have decided to withdraw my membership from the party to pursue other personal commitments and career paths.”

Hanga, who thanked the ward executive committee and members of the party for their support during his time in the NDC, said, “I want to express my sincere gratitude to you, the Ward Executive Committee, and the entire membership of Dakata Ward for the opportunities, support, and fellowship I enjoyed during my time with the party.

“I cherish the relationships built and the experiences gained during our political activities together.”

The Senator, who also asked the party to remove his name from its membership register, said, “Please feel advised my official NDC membership Card, I request that my name be formally removed from the party register at the ward level.”

He wished the party and its members well in their future endeavours.