Fayose: If FG wanted Osun, nothing could have stopped it

Former Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose, has stated that the Federal Government would have been able to manipulate the August 15 Osun governorship election if it had chosen to do so. In an interview with TVC News, Fayose detailed his assessments of the election, which saw Ademola Adeleke secure a second term. He noted that despite the final result, the contest for governorship was remarkably competitive.

Fayose emphasized that his interactions with residents during his visits across Osun's markets and communities suggested that neither candidate could have confidently predicted victory. He compared the close margin of 52-48 to elections with a clear winner, highlighting the nuanced nature of the Osun vote. Fayose pointed to the distribution of votes as a decisive factor, particularly the significant support Adeleke received in Ede, a stronghold for his family.

The former governor estimated that about 66,000 of Adeleke’s winning margin came from Ede alone. He acknowledged that after accounting for Ede, the remaining vote difference was spread across other regions like Ilesa and Osogbo, adding complexity to the overall outcome. Fayose also addressed the violence that accompanied the election, describing it as unnecessary and regrettable.

Despite his criticism, he acknowledged Adeleke’s victory and urged him and his supporters to show restraint and promote reconciliation with all political stakeholders. Fayose called for a collective approach, emphasizing that the state belongs to all its residents, regardless of political affiliations. He also echoed the sentiment of Minister Nyesom Wike, who had previously suggested that the Federal Government’s inaction or support could influence an election's outcome, stating that if the federal government desired to take control, it could do so.