The supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke have been urged to remain peaceful and resist political provocation ahead of the August 15 governorship election, as hundreds of residents staged a solidarity “Walk to Live” rally in Osogbo in support of the governor’s second-term bid.

The call was made on Wednesday by Osun State Commissioner for Rural Development and Community Affairs, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Olaoluwa, popularly known as Asejere, during the rally organised by the Olorunda Local Government chapter of the Accord to celebrate Adeleke’s birthday and mobilise support for his re-election campaign.

The procession moved through major parts of Osogbo, beginning from the party secretariat at Abaku and passing through Boorepo, Igbona Market, Ajegunle, Old Garage, Orisunbare Market, Station Road, Orita Balogun, Oluode Market, Orita Elelede, Sabo and Adenle before returning to the starting point.

Addressing supporters during the rally, Olaoluwa expressed confidence that Governor Adeleke would secure victory at the polls, while cautioning party loyalists against engaging in violence despite alleged provocations from opposition parties.

“Election is just a few months away, and I strongly believe that on August 15, Governor Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke will emerge victorious for a second term,” he said.

“You can see that a lot is happening as the election approaches, and some of our posters and billboards have been vandalised. But I appeal to our people not to react violently. We must remain peaceful and avoid anything capable of causing a crisis.

“No opposition party should discourage anyone from going to the polling unit. I urge all our supporters to come out en masse on election day and vote peacefully for Governor Ademola Adeleke,” he stated.

Also speaking at the event, Dr Abdulmaruf Adewale Adebayo, described the rally as a solidarity movement by residents of Irepodun, Orolu, Olorunda and Osogbo Federal Constituency in appreciation of what he called the governor’s developmental achievements across Osun State.

According to him, the administration had surpassed public expectations in several sectors, making the governor deserving of another term in office.

“We are here to demonstrate our support for Governor Ademola Adeleke because he has performed beyond the expectations of the people of Osun State,” he said.

“We believe that by the grace of God, his second-term ambition will be realised come August 15.”

Adebayo also appealed to political stakeholders across party lines to conduct their campaigns with maturity and respect for democratic values.

“Violence is often associated with politics, but we must all rise above it. Political actors should pursue their ambitions with humility, humanity and respect for one another so that peace can continue to reign in Osun State,” he added.

In his remarks, Hon. Dr Muyiwa Oladimeji described the Accord as a formidable political structure, attributing its growing acceptance to the leadership style and popularity of Governor Adeleke.

He urged residents of the state to support the governor’s second-term ambition through their votes.

Similarly, Pastor Folusho Ishola said the turnout recorded during the rally reflected the level of public support enjoyed by the governor across the state.

According to him, Adeleke’s administration had delivered visible development projects in many communities, contributing to growing public confidence in the government.

“As you can see from the enthusiasm of the people, Governor Adeleke has brought development to Osun State in a way many residents appreciate. The projects are visible not only in Osogbo but across different parts of the state,” he stated.

He further advised supporters not to allow political provocation to result in violence.

“Our people should remain calm and law-abiding. Election day is the appropriate time to express political choices through votes, not through confrontation,” Ishola added.

Speaking further, Olamide Tiamiyu, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Wale Egbedun, said the Adeleke administration’s infrastructural projects and welfare policies had strengthened public support for the governor.

Tiamiyu pointed to ongoing road projects and the implementation of improved workers’ welfare packages, including the new minimum wage structure, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to governance.

“When you see people trooping out in support of Governor Adeleke, it is because they believe his administration has impacted positively on their lives,” he said.

He urged supporters to sustain their mobilisation efforts and participate actively in the forthcoming governorship election.