Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the alleged political violence in the state, warning that the situation could threaten the credibility of the August 15 governorship election.

Adeleke made the appeal on Monday during his campaign rally at Olorunda Local Government Area of Osogbo, where he urged Tinubu to act as the father of the nation and ensure that the election is free, fair and credible.

The governor alleged that people were being killed in Osun State and called on the President to prevent further violence ahead of the poll.

“President Bola Tinubu, something is happening in Osun State 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,” Adeleke said.

He questioned why his supporters were allegedly being targeted despite the state’s support for Tinubu’s 2027 presidential ambition.

“Mr President, I am passing this message directly to you. We have publicly endorsed you for the 2027 presidential election. What more do you want from us? Why then are our people being killed?” he asked.

Adeleke also accused the police of failing to act impartially, alleging that the security agency had been compromised and was intimidating innocent citizens instead of focusing on criminal activities.

“The police have been compromised. They should concentrate on tackling the kidnappers and other criminals troubling your administration instead of intimidating innocent people,” he alleged.

The governor, who is the chief security officer of Osun State, said residents would come out in large numbers to vote and would protect their votes during the election.

He also questioned why his administration was facing what he described as hardship despite the endorsement of Tinubu by both his party and the Accord Party.

“With God on my side, I am confident of victory. If this election is free and fair, I will win. I therefore call on President Tinubu to rise to his responsibility,” Adeleke said.