The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke ofusing proxies to launch attacks on the party’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. According to a statement signed by the APC State Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, Adeleke and his supporters have become aggressive due to their disadvantaged position in the state’s political landscape.
Lawal claimed that Adeleke’s camp has been sponsoring hatchet writers and directly attacking Oyetola and Oyebamiji. He also accused Adeleke’s administration of failing to plan, leading to monumental failures in various sectors, including health, education, and security. The APC chairman questioned Adeleke’s performance, asking if it was Oyetola or Oyebamiji who instructed him to run his government with deceit and subterfuge.
In response, the Osun Accord Party chairman, Victor Akande, described the APC’s allegations as a sign of desperation. Akande listed the achievements of the Adeleke administration, contrasting them with the APC era. He noted that Adeleke has prioritized workers’ welfare, restored consistency in salary payments, and addressed arrears, unlike the APC era when workers were subjected to half-salary payments.
The political landscape in Osun State has been highly competitive, particularly between the APC and the PDP. In the 2022 governorship election, Adeleke defeated Oyetola, securing 403,371 votes against Oyetola’s 375,027. The election result was initially challenged in court, contributing to ongoing political tensions between the APC and the ruling PDP.
As preparations accelerate for the 2026 governorship election, political rivalry has intensified, with parties positioning their candidates and responding to criticisms. The allegations and counter-accusations among parties reflect the deep-rooted political contest in the state. The APC and other parties are shaping public perception ahead of the poll, with the outcome likely to have significant implications for the state’s political landscape.
The ongoing political tensions and rivalry in Osun State are expected to continue in the lead-up to the 2026 governorship election. The APC and the PDP, as well as smaller parties like the Accord Party, will likely continue to exchange allegations and counter-accusations as they vie for public support. The election is expected to be highly contested, with the outcome potentially shaping the state’s political future.