The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Accord Party have engaged in a war of words over governance and political prospects ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The APC, in a statement issued by its state chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, accused Governor Ademola Adeleke and his allies of launching attacks on former governor Adegboyega Oyetola and the party’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. Lawal attributed these criticisms to the ruling party’s perceived disadvantage in the state’s political landscape, stating that such attacks would not prevent the APC’s victory at the polls in 2026.
The APC alleged that the Adeleke administration has failed in key sectors, including health, education, security, and infrastructure, and accused the governor of running the government without proper planning. The party also claimed that the state government has mismanaged public funds and questioned the impact of its spending over the last three years.
In response, the Osun State chapter of the Accord Party dismissed the APC’s statement as a sign of panic and frustration. The party’s state chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, described the APC’s comments as intellectually bankrupt and reflective of fear of losing relevance in Osun politics. Akande argued that the state has witnessed significant improvements under Governor Adeleke, citing advancements in road construction, public infrastructure, and workers’ welfare.
The Accord Party defended the administration’s record in health and security, claiming that facilities have been upgraded and collaboration with security agencies has been strengthened, leading to improved stability across the state. The party rejected the APC’s criticism of the government’s financial management, insisting that the current administration is addressing challenges inherited from previous governments.
The exchange of words between the two parties highlights the intense political rivalry in Osun State ahead of the 2026 governorship election. The APC is seeking to regain power, while the Accord Party is confident that the electorate will not return the APC to power due to its perceived past failures, including the era of half-salary payments to workers. The outcome of the election will depend on the ability of each party to convince the voters of their vision and competence to govern the state effectively.
