The Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has warned Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is interested in the state’s governorship election and wants him removed from office.
Ayodele made the claim in a statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The cleric also alleged that the All Progressives Congress (APC) would deploy money, influence and political power in an attempt to secure victory in the election.
His comments come amid political debate over the federal government’s interest in the Osun election, following Tinubu’s recent directive to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to return to court to vacate an order freezing the accounts of the Osun State Government.
Ayodele cautioned Adeleke against relying on claims that the president was not interested in the election, insisting that Tinubu was closely monitoring developments in the state.
He urged the governor to intensify efforts to retain his position, warning that a defeat could make any subsequent legal challenge more difficult.
“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.
He further alleged that the APC would deploy financial resources, political influence and federal power during the election.
“The APC will use money, influence, power, forces, and the presidency. It won’t be easy at all; it will be very serious,” he said.
The claims come ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, which will see Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) seeking another term in office.
