Ahead of the August 15 governorship election, Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, says he’s not intimidated by the alleged support of the federal government and some state governors for the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate.

Adeleke, who spoke on Tuesday during the Arise Townhall Meeting, described himself as a “bulldozer”, expressing preparedness to confront what he described as “Federal might” and the influence of governors campaigning for his opponent.

He dismissed claims that the presence and support of serving governors could influence the outcome of Saturday’s election.

“I am a bulldozer. I am not afraid of Federal might and governors backing the APC candidate. If they like, they should bring all the governors,” Adeleke said.

The Osun Governor said the governors supporting the APC candidate were his friends, stressing that their presence in the state would not translate into votes for his opponent.

According to him, the governors were free to campaign and mobilise support for the APC candidate, but they would not be able to vote in the election.

“Those governors are my friends. I am a civilised administrator. They won’t vote; they can only come and dance, and after the election, we will meet,” he said.

Adeleke also rejected allegations that his administration had militarised the state, saying he lacked the constitutional powers to deploy the armed forces.

“I did not militarise Osun. I have no such capacity. I am not the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces,” he said.

The governor’s remarks came amid heightened political activities in Osun State, with political parties intensifying campaigns, mobilisation and voter engagement ahead of Saturday’s election.

The contest has generated increased attention as major political parties and their candidates step up efforts to secure the support of voters across the state.

Adeleke, who is seeking a second term in office, is facing the APC candidate in the closely watched contest, with both camps seeking to consolidate their support base ahead of the poll.