The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, that President Bola Tinubu is actively interested in Saturday’s governorship election and wants him removed from office.
Ayodele also warned that the All Progressives Congress may deploy significant resources and influence in an attempt to secure victory in the poll.
The cleric made the comments in a statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin.
His warning comes amid political claims that President Tinubu may not be directly interested in the Osun election following his recent directive to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to lift the restriction placed on the state government’s bank accounts.
However, Ayodele urged Adeleke not to assume that the President has withdrawn his interest in the election.
According to him, Tinubu is closely monitoring developments in Osun and remains determined to see a change of government in the state.
“Tinubu is fully involved and interested in Osun State. Adeleke shouldn’t allow anybody to deceive him that the president isn’t interested in it. He is closely monitoring the election and wants Adeleke out of power,” Ayodele said.
The cleric further advised Adeleke and his supporters to remain vigilant and do everything within their political capacity to retain power.
He warned that losing the election could create additional challenges for the governor, including difficulties in pursuing legal challenges after the poll.
“Adeleke must do everything he knows to ensure he stays in power because if he loses, it won’t be an easy journey for him. It will even be difficult to get anything from the court,” he said.
Ayodele also alleged that the APC could rely on financial resources, political influence and federal power during the election.
“The APC wants to perform magic, but he must not allow them. The APC will use money, influence, power, forces, and the presidency. It won’t be easy at all; it will be very serious,” he added.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled to hold on August 15, with Adeleke seeking another term amid a fiercely contested race involving the APC and other political parties.
