Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of threatening to deploy federal authority to influence the upcoming governorship election, while asserting that President Bola Tinubu is focused on national governance, not electoral interference.
Addressing ward officials of the Accord political party in Osogbo on Saturday, Governor Adeleke warned that any attempt to intimidate voters ahead of the August 15 poll would fail. He specifically rebuked the Osun APC for allegedly invoking the President’s name in “anti-democratic rhetoric” about using federal institutions to sway the outcome.
“The President is using federal power to deliver on good governance, such as the reconstruction of the Ibadan–Ilesa road and the implementation of student loan programmes,” Adeleke stated. He added that neither President Tinubu nor his inner circle supports such threats from the state APC. The governor urged residents to remain vigilant and participate actively, declaring, “Only electoral bandits boast of rigging in a democracy.”
The meeting featured calls for unity from key PDP figures. Former Deputy Speaker Lasun Yusuf urged intensified grassroots mobilization and vote protection. Senator Olu Alabi appealed to elders across local government areas to prepare support for Adeleke’s re-election. State PDP Chairman Sunday Bisi and Prof. Wale Oladipo reaffirmed their backing, directing party structures to mobilize statewide.
In a separate remark, the APC’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, denied that his party would rely on federal influence. Speaking at a Ramadan lecture in Osogbo, Oyebamiji said the APC has been consulting widely with traditional rulers and residents across all 30 local government areas. “There is no way we can rely on federal might,” he said, adding that the party would continue working hard to earn the people’s mandate.
The statements highlight the high stakes in the Osun governorship contest, where the incumbent PDP governor faces the APC’s nominee. Both camps are emphasizing distinct strategies: the PDP frames the election as a defence of democratic integrity against alleged federal overreach, while the APC stresses grassroots consultation and rejects dependence on central government power.
With less than three months to the poll, the rhetoric underscores the need for a peaceful and credible electoral process. Observers note that the tone of the campaign will be closely watched for any signs of intimidation or institutional interference. The election will test the resilience of state-level democracy amid national political tensions, with voters’ participation expected to be decisive.
