APC chieftain Joe Igbokwe has criticized Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke for defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party to the Accord Party ahead of the governorship election, describing the move as an “unbelievable mistake.”
In a post on his official Facebook page, Igbokwe argued that Adeleke should have joined the ruling All Progressives Congress, particularly given President Bola Tinubu’s family ties to Osun State. “Governor Adeleke made an unbelievable mistake when he left PDP to the Accord Party instead of joining APC knowing fully well that PBAT has a family link with Osun State Nigeria,” Igbokwe wrote.
Adeleke is contesting the governorship election on the Accord Party platform after leaving the PDP. The governor has raised concerns over alleged intimidation and harassment of his supporters by agents of the Federal Government. He recently alleged that some supporters had been arrested and killed in what he described as an attempt to frustrate his re-election bid.
Adeleke further accused certain Federal Government institutions of being used to undermine his campaign ahead of the election. The allegations point to heightened political tensions in the state as the election approaches.
The development underscores the complex political calculations shaping the Osun governorship contest, with party loyalty, federal influence, and security concerns all featuring prominently in the discourse. Both the APC and the Accord Party have positioned the election as a test of their respective political strength in the South-West region.
As campaigning intensifies, the focus remains on the credibility of the electoral process and the safety of candidates and their supporters. The outcome will likely reverberate beyond Osun, offering early signals about the balance of power between the ruling party and opposition forces ahead of future electoral cycles.
