Political calculations, shifting alliances and growing security concerns have make the forthcoming Osun State governorship election one of the most closely watched contests. Ismaeel Uthman examines the chances and challenges facing Governor Ademola Adeleke as he seeks a second term
Fith three weeks to the Osun State governorship election, anxiety is mounting over fears that the poll could be marred by violence and electoral malpractices. The hitherto peaceful state has become a hotbed of political killings and violent attacks.
On August 15, 2,339,233 registered voters in the state (if all of them collect their PVCs) will troop to the 3,763 polling units and 332 wards across the 30 local governments and one area office to elect a governor.
While 14 political parties are participating in the election, only Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress and Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress have remained visible in terms of campaigns and political structures.
However, Sunday PUNCH notes that Adeleke and Oyebamiji have largely dominated the political space through the instrument of power. Many residents of the state have also blamed both parties for the unabated political killings, alleging that they have enlisted the services of cultists, especially members of the Aiye and Eiye confraternities, to attack their opponents. The concerned residents also alleged that some candidates of the parties are cultists, making it easier to recruit members of the groups.
