Key Takeaways
- Ademola Adeleke says he helped introduce state policing in the Senate and insists it will work in Osun State.
- The Accord Party candidate pledges to uphold the rule of law and keep security agencies within legal boundaries.
- Adeleke cites reconstruction of roads abandoned for 45 years and says he does not need to buy votes to win.
- He accuses political opponents of relying on cash handouts after allegedly crippling the state's economy.
- Adeleke remains confident of victory in the upcoming Osun governorship election.
State Policing: A Familiar Proposal
Ademola Adeleke, the Accord Party governorship candidate in Osun State, used the Arise Townhall Meeting on Tuesday to make his case for decentralised security. He reminded listeners that he was among the senators who introduced the concept of state policing during his time in the Senate.
"If you are my son and you break the law, you will go and face the law. I believe in the rule of law. I will make sure state police work in my state. I am not among those that say state police cannot work. It will work," he said.
The comment drops him into a long-running national debate over how Nigeria should handle internal security. Advocates argue that local police forces would respond faster to community threats. Sceptics raise concerns about abuse by state governments and the capacity of smaller budgets to fund new commands. Adeleke sides firmly with the advocates.
Rule of Law and Security
Beyond expanding the police, Adeleke pledged that security agencies under his administration would operate strictly within legal bounds. His remarks attempted to answer the fear that state police could be weaponised by political leaders.
Infrastructure Record
On development, the candidate pointed to road projects he said had been neglected for decades. "I have constructed roads abandoned for about 45 years. The roads are superb and clean. They are good roads," he said.
He did not provide specific project details during the town hall, but repeated that the roads were durable and well executed.
Rejecting Vote-Buying
Adeleke dismissed suggestions that he would need cash to win the election. "I don't need to buy votes. I have been giving my people palliatives since I came in," he said.
He accused rivals of believing Osun voters could be bought. "They believe they can give ₦20,000 and money to voters in Osun. My people are smarter," he said, while alleging that opponents had "crippled Osun State's economy" and were now trying to influence voters with cash.
Confident of Victory
The Accord Party candidate ended the session with a strong prediction. "I will not lose this election. I am confident," he declared.
Why This Matters
Adeleke's pledge to activate state policing and reject cash-driven politics could shape voter expectations in Osun. His confidence, backed by claims of durable roads and sustained palliatives, positions the Accord Party as a challenger to established political machinery.