Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has declared that neither intimidation nor external interference will stop the people of the state from exercising their democratic rights ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The governor made the statement on Thursday amid reactions to the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, by police over alleged vote-buying.

Igbalaye was detained on Wednesday night alongside five others after police raided his private residence in Osogbo. The Osun State Police Command said it recovered ₦4.8 million, a laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two voter cards and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.

Police spokesperson Abiodun Ojelabi said the recovered cash and electoral materials raised concerns over possible electoral offences and other criminal activities.

Although Adeleke did not directly address the SSG’s arrest, he insisted that the people of Osun would not be cowed by intimidation.

“Throughout the history of Osun State, our people have never bowed to intimidation. We are resilient, determined, and fiercely protective of our rights,” the governor said.

He expressed confidence that the will of the people would prevail in the election, claiming independent polls indicated a clear victory for the Accord Party based on his administration’s performance in infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare and pension reforms.

Adeleke urged his supporters to remain united, participate peacefully in the election and protect their votes.

The arrest comes amid rising political tension in Osun, with rival parties exchanging accusations ahead of the governorship poll.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Government condemned the police operation, describing the raids on the residences of the SSG and other officials as an assault on the state government and a threat to democracy.