The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Ademola Adeleke have entered a war of words after Bola Oyebamiji was announced as the APC’s governorship candidate for the 2026 election. The party says the governor is uneasy about Oyebamiji’s candidacy, which was selected through a consensus primary held in Osogbo. APC Director of Media and Information Kola Olabisi pointed to Governor Adeleke’s reaction to comments by APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda—who warned that the party could not afford to lose more states—as evidence of that unease. The governor’s camp criticised Yilwatda’s remarks, and the APC also attacked Adeleke’s administration for dismissing teachers and health workers appointed by former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. The party claims that Osun residents are dissatisfied with the current state of governance, especially in education and healthcare.
In response, Governor Adeleke rejected the APC’s accusations and reaffirmed his intention to seek re‑election. He dismissed comments attributed to Oyetola as “wishful thinking” and asserted that his government enjoys popular support because of its people‑oriented policies. Adeleke also accused the APC of resorting to anti‑democratic practices and questioned the party’s confidence in its popularity ahead of the 2026 polls.
The APC has challenged Governor Adeleke to a televised debate with Oyebamiji, arguing that such a forum would showcase the APC candidate’s readiness to govern. The party also urged Adeleke to prepare for a transition of power, emphasizing the need for effective governance in Osun State. This exchange underscores the intense political rivalry in Osun ahead of a closely contested 2026 governorship election, with both sides likely to intensify rhetoric as the campaign season progresses.
