A political dispute has erupted in Nigeria’s Osun State following conflicting claims by rival factions over alleged support from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2026 governorship election, highlighting the high-stakes maneuvering within the southwestern region.
The controversy involves supporters of incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and allies of Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate. It also draws in former governor Adegboyega Oyetola, now a minister in Tinubu’s administration, whose loyalists are aligned with Oyebamiji’s camp.
The AMBO Media Fronts, representing Oyebamiji, dismissed reports of an alliance between President Tinubu and Governor Adeleke as “false and misleading.” In a statement by coordinator Adebayo Adedeji, the group insisted Tinubu would not back Adeleke’s re-election. It praised Oyebamiji’s loyalty to the APC and administrative experience, citing his tenure at the National Inland Waterways Authority. The statement also criticized Adeleke’s governance, alleging gaps in education funding and project implementation.
In reply, the Accord Media Centre, aligned with Adeleke, emphasized the governor’s popularity among labour groups, artisans, students, and farmers. It accused Oyetola and Oyebamiji of “divisive and cantankerous conduct” that weakens APC cohesion and embarrasses the president. The group claimed internal APC disputes, including the imposition of candidates, have alienated party members. It argued that genuine Tinubu supporters are aligning with the people’s preference—Adeleke—and urged Oyetola and Oyebamiji to refrain from actions that could portray the president negatively.
Osun State, which saw Adeleke narrowly defeat Oyetola in the 2022 governorship election, remains a critical battleground. Oyetola’s role as Minister of Marine and Blue Economy maintains his influence, while the 2026 race is shaping up as a high-profile rematch where Tinubu’s perceived endorsement could be pivotal.
This public clash underscores the fragility of party alliances in Osun as factions compete for presidential favor. Both sides frame their stance as loyal to Tinubu while depicting rivals as disruptive. The dispute may intensify ahead of APC primaries and could prompt national party interventions to foster unity. Observers note that such rhetoric often precedes realignments that will define the state’s political leading up to the August 2026 vote.
