Arise Television anchor Rufai Oseni has predicted a difficult battle for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke in Saturday’s governorship election, saying it would take a “miracle” for him to overcome what he described as the influence of federal might.
Oseni, speaking on Tuesday while analysing the August 15 election, argued that the power of the Federal Government would be a major factor in determining the outcome of the contest.
“Coming back to Osun elections, like I’ve been saying, the number one factor in this election is the power of federal might, and federal might has been used very well,” he said.
“That’s why I predicted it’s going to be a miracle if Adeleke passes this test because of federal might.”
Oseni urged residents of the state to turn out and demonstrate their political preferences at the ballot box.
He also raised concerns about violence surrounding the election, claiming that some people had already been injured in incidents ahead of the poll.
“Like I said before, this election will be very bloody. People were also hurt this morning,” he said.
“A few days to election, people were also hurt. So it’s going to be a bloody election. Pure and simple, because there are a lot of moving parts.”
The broadcaster further argued that the emergence of a strong third candidate could complicate Adeleke’s chances.
According to Oseni, previous election patterns suggest that a combination of what he called “federal might” and a formidable third candidate could work against the governor.
“And when you check election history, any time you have a cocktail of federal might and you have a big third candidate, it doesn’t favour Adeleke,” he said.
Osun voters are expected to head to the polls on Saturday, August 15, in a governorship contest that has witnessed heightened political activity in the closing days of campaigning.
