Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has warned of potential violence in the Osun State governorship election, describing a victory for incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke as a “miracle” given what he characterised as the deployment of federal influence.
Speaking during a broadcast analysis of the forthcoming poll, Oseni identified the power of federal might as the decisive factor shaping the contest. He argued that this influence had been effectively leveraged, creating a steep electoral hurdle for the governor.
“That is why I predicted it is going to be a miracle if Adeleke passes this test because of federal might,” Oseni said. “And when I am saying this, I am saying this because I want the people of Osun to go out there and put their money where their mouth is.”
The broadcaster also raised alarm over the security climate surrounding the election. He alleged that injuries had already been recorded in incidents linked to the political process, citing occurrences on the morning of his broadcast as well as in the days prior.
“This election will be very bloody,” Oseni stated. “People were also hurt this morning. A few days to the election, people were also hurt. So it is going to be a bloody election, pure and simple, because there are a lot of moving parts.”
Beyond the security concerns, Oseni pointed to the presence of a formidable third-party candidate as a structural disadvantage for Adeleke. Drawing on historical precedents, he argued that the combination of federal power and a significant third force has traditionally worked against the governor’s electoral prospects.
“When you check election history, any time you have a cocktail of federal might and you have a big third candidate, it does not favour Adeleke,” he added.
The remarks underscore the heightened tension accompanying the Osun governorship race, where the interplay of incumbency, federal authority, and multi-party dynamics is expected to define both the conduct and outcome of the vote. Stakeholders continue to monitor the security situation closely as the election approaches, with calls for restraint from civil society and observer groups.
