Adeleke Rigged 2022 Governorship Election ~ Ọsun Tribunal

By Adebayo Adedeji

The judgment of the Osun State Governorship Election Tribunal on the July 16, 2022 election remains a watershed moment in the political history of the state. In its well-considered ruling, the Tribunal held that the election was significantly marred by irregularities, particularly widespread over-voting, despite the deployment of modern electoral technologies such as the Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS). In the hometown of Governor Ademola Adeleke, Ede South (Ward 4, Unit 7), votes recorded were higher than BVAS accreditation---one of many instances cited as proof of over-voting.

Relying on the provisions of Sections 47(2) and 51(2) of the Electoral Act 2022, the Tribunal found that votes recorded in several polling units exceeded the number of accredited voters---an anomaly that clearly indicated manipulation. Consequently, after deducting the invalid votes from the affected 744 polling units, the Tribunal concluded that the results had been skewed in favour of Governor Ademola Adeleke of the PDP.

Based on this recalculation, the Tribunal declared that the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, was in fact the lawful winner of the election. His votes rose to 314,921, while Adeleke’s dropped to 290,266. The Tribunal therefore directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withdraw Adeleke’s certificate of return and issue a fresh one to Oyetola.

The judgment clearly underscored that the 2022 governorship election was manipulated to favour Adeleke and did not reflect the genuine will of the people of Ọsun State. It reaffirmed the widespread belief among citizens that Oyetola was the preferred candidate, owing largely to his track record of prudent governance and infrastructural development and the touted popularity of Adeleke was a ruse. 

During his administration, Oyetola demonstrated capacity and preparedness for leadership. His government constructed no fewer than 332 primary health centres across the state, significantly improving access to grassroots healthcare. He also embarked on critical road projects in previously neglected areas, including the Moro-Yakoyo-Ipetumodu-Asipa Road (8.1km) reconstructed after 45 years; Ada-Igbajo Township Road (13.15km) and Ede-Ara-Ejigbo Road (22km).

The government also rehabilitated over 25 roads across zones, spanning over 200km.

In addition, the APC government built a 120-bed hospital in the state specialist hospital Asubiaro, equally building  a 30-unit doctors' quarters in the hospital, currently valued at nearly ₦5 billion—an enduring asset that the current administration has failed to replicate, as no comparable staff housing has been constructed to date.

The Oyetola government also implemented one of the most competitive salary structures for medical doctors in Nigeria in 2019 and fully implemented the national minimum wage of ₦30,000, from the previous ₦18,000 benchmark.

Ọsun people have found it strange that an administration which prioritized their welfare could be declared losers at the poll. The tribunal judgement was a succour to them. However, the joy arising from the judgement which they believed reflected their reality was shortlived as subsequent judgments by the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court overturned the decision on largely technical grounds. While these rulings are part of the judicial process, many citizens view them as political and procedural determinations that did not substantially address the core issue of electoral irregularities identified by the Tribunal.

However, given the experience of 2022 coupled with the poor performance of the Adeleke government, the Ọsun people hold that being vigilant at the poll is the best strategy to stop at the poll the current kindergarten and kick-and-start administration and install a truly people-oriented government. The last 40 months have been useless to them and they can't wait to have a change of government in November.