Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has declared that the people of the state will not yield to intimidation or external interference ahead of the August 15 governorship election, following the arrest of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Teslim Igbalaye, over alleged vote-buying.

Adeleke made the statement in a post on Thursday morning amid growing reactions to the detention of Igbalaye by operatives of the Osun State Police Command.

The SSG and five others were arrested on Wednesday night after police raided his private residence in Osogbo.

According to the Police Public Relations Officer in Osun, Abiodun Ojelabi, officers recovered ₦4.8 million and several items suspected to be linked to electoral offences from the residence.

The recovered exhibits include a Dynabook laptop, a photocopy machine, a printer, two voter cards, and a voter register covering Wards 1 to 15.

Ojelabi said the discovery of the cash alongside the voter register containing voters' details raises serious concerns over possible vote-buying and other criminal activities, adding that investigations are ongoing.

Although Adeleke did not directly mention the arrest in his statement, he insisted that no amount of harassment or intimidation would deter Osun residents from exercising their democratic rights.

"Throughout the history of Osun State, our people have never bowed to intimidation. We are resilient, determined, and fiercely protective of our rights," the governor wrote.

"As we approach the August 15 governorship election, I have absolute confidence that no amount of external interference or intimidation can override the collective will of the people of Osun State."

The governor expressed confidence that the electorate would return his party to power, stating that independent opinion polls indicate a clear path to victory because of his administration's performance.

He highlighted achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers' welfare, and pension reforms, saying his government's record speaks for itself.

"By the grace of God and with the continued support of the good people of Osun, our second term will build on these achievements and deliver even greater progress for every community. The best days of Osun are still ahead," Adeleke said.

The governor also urged his supporters to remain united, stay vigilant, vote for the party, and ensure that their votes are protected during the forthcoming governorship election.