Osun Poll: ADC Youth Leader Seeks Trump’s Intervention, Alleges Plot to Manipulate Election

The Osun State Youth Leader of the African Democratic Congress, Hon. Ademola Owoade, has appealed to United States President Donald Trump to intervene in the state’s governorship election scheduled for Saturday, alleging plans to manipulate the electoral process.

Owoade made the appeal in a letter dated August 13, 2026, addressed to Trump and titled, “Urgent Appeal for International Observation and Intervention to Ensure Free, Fair, and Peaceful Gubernatorial Election in Osun State, Nigeria.”

The ADC youth leader alleged that the escalating tension ahead of the election had created an atmosphere of fear, intimidation and harassment, with some incidents reportedly resulting in loss of lives and injuries.

He attributed the brewing crisis largely to the rivalry between the ruling Accord Party in Osun and the All Progressives Congress (APC) which controls the Federal Government, alleging that the rivalry had resulted in unrest, public disturbances and attacks on perceived opponents.

Owoade said the ADC and its governorship candidate, Dr Najeem Salaam, had maintained decorum throughout the campaign, claiming that the party had engaged citizens across the state without violence, thuggery or electoral malpractice.

He raised concerns over allegations of electoral manipulation, intimidation of opposition members and supporters, and possible partiality by security and anti-graft agencies.

Owoade specifically called on the United States Government to monitor the election before, during and after the poll through diplomatic channels and international observer missions.

He also urged the US to ensure that the election was conducted transparently and that opposition candidates, members and voters were not subjected to harassment or intimidation.

“Election in a democracy ought to be a peaceful contest of ideas, manifestos, and service to the people — not a battlefield. Sadly, the current realities in Osun paint a different picture.

“We appeal for close monitoring: That the United States Government closely monitors the election before, during, and after, through diplomatic channels and international observer missions.”

“There should be no harassment, arrest, or intimidation of opposition parties, candidates, and voters by state actors or political thugs.

“All electoral gadgets and materials provided by INEC must be tested, functional, and free from any technical defect or hitch on election day.

“Osun State deserves an election where the will of the people prevails. Any attempt to subvert this process will be strictly and vehemently rejected by the able, vigilant, and politically conscious youths of the African Democratic Congress under my leadership. We will not keep silent in the face of injustice,” Owoade said in the letter.