WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESS BY THE SPEAKER, OSUN STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, RT. HON. ADEWALE OLUMIDE EGBEDUN, ON THREATS OF ELECTORAL VIOLENCE, VOTER INTIMIDATION AND THE NEED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY IN OSUN STATE.

WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESS BY THE SPEAKER, OSUN STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, RT. HON. ADEWALE OLUMIDE EGBEDUN, ON THREATS OF ELECTORAL VIOLENCE, VOTER INTIMIDATION AND THE NEED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY IN OSUN STATE.

Osogbo, August 12, 2026.

Gentlemen of the Press, Members of the International Media, Distinguished Representatives of the International Community, Our Foreign Partners, Ladies and Gentlemen,

I address you today with a deep sense of responsibility and an urgent appeal to all institutions committed to democracy, the rule of law, justice and the protection of human life.

Osun State stands at a defining moment.

As we approach Saturday’s election, what should ordinarily be a celebration of democracy, civic participation and the peaceful exercise of the people’s constitutional rights is increasingly being overshadowed by disturbing statements, threats, intimidation, harassment and allegations of attempts to suppress voters.

I am particularly concerned about the threats attributed to Senator Ade Fadahunsi, a serving Senator for that matter, and Francis Eniade, the APC House of Representatives candidate for the Ifelodun, Boripe and Odo-Otin Federal Constituency, threatening people who are not members or supporters of the APC with violence and death.

Such statements are completely unacceptable in a democratic society. No political ambition is worth the life of one Osun citizen.

I am particularly concerned about the video threat made by Francis Eniade, the APC House of Representatives candidate for the Ifelodun, Boripe and Odo-Otin Federal Constituency. In the said video, Eniade specifically mentioned my name, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, and issued threats against me as well as other eligible voters within the Odo-Otin, Boripe and Ifelodun Federal Constituency. 

This is not merely political rhetoric that should be dismissed or ignored. It is a matter that raises serious concerns about threats to life, voter intimidation and the promotion of political violence ahead of the election.

As an elected representative of the people, I will not be intimidated by such threats, and neither should any citizen be forced to live in fear because of his or her political preference. The right to vote freely and peacefully is guaranteed by the Constitution, and no candidate or political actor has the authority to threaten citizens for exercising that right.

I, therefore, call on the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu, to immediately order the arrest and investigation of Francis Eniade over the threat, particularly given that I was personally mentioned and threatened in the video alongside other eligible voters in the constituency.

My lawyers have submitted a formal petition to the Inspector-General of Police and the appropriate authorities on this matter. I am optimistic that the Inspector-General of Police will act swiftly, investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure that it is not swept under the carpet.

This is not about political persecution or vendetta; it is about protecting lives, enforcing the law and preserving the integrity of our democracy. No threat to life should be treated lightly, irrespective of the political party or individual involved.

Let me say this categorically:

It will be totally resisted by the people through peace, vigilance, the law and the ballot box. Our people will not be intimidated into surrendering their constitutional rights.

The Police must act before threats become violence.

The appropriate law-enforcement authorities must investigate the allegations thoroughly and, where a criminal offence is established, take the necessary legal action without fear or favour.

I want to ask the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Tunji Disu, a very simple but fundamental question:

If these exact threats had emanated from an Accord candidate, leader or supporter, would the Police have looked away?

Would the reaction have been different?

Would arrests have been immediate?

We demand equal protection under the law.

The law must not have one face for APC and another face for the opposition.

The Nigerian Police Force belongs to the Nigerian people. It does not belong to APC, Accord, ADC or any other political party.

MY MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF OSUN STATE

Dear people of Osun State, I want to assure you:

Do not be afraid. Do not allow any threat, video, statement or act of intimidation to deprive you of your constitutional right to vote.

Come out peacefully.

Come out confidently.

Come out in your numbers.

On Saturday, I urge every eligible voter who supports the re-election of Sen. (Dr.) Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke to come out enmasse and exercise that right.

Your vote is your voice.

Your vote is your power.

Vote, don’t fight.

I assure you that we will continue to demand the protection of our people and the integrity of their votes through lawful and democratic means.

Remain peaceful.

Remain vigilant.

Observe the process lawfully.

Protect your vote with every lawful means.

Your vote must count.

OSUN BELONGS TO ALL OF US