The Ghost Of 1983: Adeleke Warns Tinubu As Osun Heads For The Polls

History has an unusual habit of returning whenever politicians believe it has been forgotten. Democracies rarely collapse in a single day. They weaken when those entrusted with protecting the rules begin testing their limits.

Across the world, disputed elections have often left wounds that outlived the politicians who caused them.

Nigeria has experienced such moments before. As Osun prepares for another governorship election, Governor Ademola Adeleke has reached into the country’s political memory, warning that the lessons of 1983 should never be ignored.

ValidViewNetwork reports that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure a peaceful, free and fair election in the state.The governor also accused some members of the ruling party of promoting political violence ahead of the poll.

A Direct Appeal To The President

Addressing President Tinubu, Adeleke reminded him of his constitutional responsibility. He also referred to Tinubu’s history as a pro democracy campaigner.

The governor said:

“Mr President, I want you to take note of my words, I am the Chief Security Officer of Osun. You are a Yoruba man and Osun is Yorubaland, yet your party chieftains are perpetrating political violence while you look the other way.”

He urged the President to intervene before tensions escalate, ValidViewNetwork reports.

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The Shadow Of 1983

Political history often shapes present decisions. Few elections remain as deeply remembered in Nigeria’s democratic journey as those of 1983. The crisis that followed disputed governorship elections in parts of the old Ondo State became one of the defining political flashpoints before the military coup later that year.

ValidViewNetwork reports that Adeleke warned against any attempt to repeat that history.He said:

“Mr President, all we demand for is a free and fair election. If anybody tries to do otherwise, the political crisis of 1983, when some people tried to rig Michael Ajasin in Ondo State out of power, may repeat itself again.”

His remarks linked present concerns with one of Nigeria’s most enduring electoral memories.

Security Agencies In Focus

Adeleke also appealed for professionalism from security agencies. He insisted that constitutional authority within Osun should be respected.

The governor said: “Mr President, call your people to order, call police chiefs to order. I am the governor here, not any other person.”

He further added: “Accord has already endorsed you as its candidate. Why are you suffering again.”The governor urged all political actors to avoid actions capable of undermining public confidence in the election, ValidViewNetwork reports.

A Reminder Of Democratic Responsibility

Adeleke concluded by recalling Tinubu’s role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle. He appealed to the President to protect the electoral process.

The governor said: “You fought for democracy in Nigeria and you must not allow your people destroy it. Wake up to your responsibility Mr President, stop the shenanigans going on in Osun.”

His comments come as political campaigns gather momentum ahead of the governorship election.History seldom repeats itself in exactly the same form, but it often returns wearing familiar clothes.

The political crisis of 1983 remains a cautionary chapter because it demonstrated how disputed elections can reshape not only governments but the trajectory of a nation.

Governor Adeleke has now placed that memory at the centre of today’s political conversation, urging President Tinubu to ensure that Osun’s election is remembered for ballots rather than conflict.

Whether that appeal changes the course of events will depend not on speeches or accusations, but on the conduct of political parties, security agencies, electoral officials and voters themselves.

In every democracy, the greatest victory is not merely winning power. It is ensuring that those who lose still believe the process was worthy of their trust.