The Secretary to the Osun State Government (SSG), Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, has expressed confidence that Governor Ademola Adeleke will secure a decisive victory in the forthcoming governorship election, predicting that the incumbent will defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate by no fewer than 100,000 votes.
Igbalaye made the assertion while addressing party supporters and stakeholders, insisting that the administration’s performance in office has earned it widespread support across the state and positioned Governor Adeleke for re-election.
According to the SSG, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government has delivered on its campaign promises through infrastructure development, improved public services and governance initiatives that have resonated with residents in both urban and rural communities.
He argued that the achievements recorded by the Adeleke administration would translate into overwhelming electoral support when voters head to the polls.
“Governor Adeleke will defeat the APC by at least 100,000 votes,” Igbalaye said, expressing optimism that the PDP would retain control of the state in the next governorship election.
The SSG also dismissed suggestions that the opposition had gained significant political momentum in Osun, maintaining that the ruling party remained firmly rooted across the state’s local government areas.
He urged party members to remain united and intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the election, stressing that the PDP would not take the support of the electorate for granted despite its confidence in victory.
Igbalaye further called on residents to assess the performance of the current administration, saying the government had prioritised projects and policies aimed at improving the welfare of citizens and stimulating development across the state.
His comments come as political activities continue to gather pace ahead of the governorship election, with the PDP and APC expected to engage in an intense contest for control of the state.
The APC has repeatedly expressed confidence in its chances of reclaiming Osun State, arguing that voters are ready for a change in leadership. Party leaders have also criticised aspects of the Adeleke administration while promising to implement alternative policies if elected.
Political analysts believe the Osun governorship election is likely to be one of the most closely watched off-cycle polls in the country, given the state’s history of highly competitive elections and its significance in the political landscape of the South-West.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has continued preparations for the election, assuring political parties and voters of its commitment to conducting a free, fair and credible poll.
Observers have urged all political actors to conduct peaceful campaigns, avoid inflammatory rhetoric and respect the outcome of the election, while calling on security agencies to ensure a safe environment for voters before, during and after the exercise.
As campaigning intensifies, the competing claims of the major political parties are expected to dominate public discourse, with the eventual outcome to be determined by Osun voters at the ballot box.
