A fresh political dispute has emerged in Osun State, Nigeria, as the campaign organisation of Bola Oyebamiji, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the August 15, 2026 election, accused the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke of orchestrating a sustained propaganda campaign ahead of the polls.
The AMBO Media Fronts, in a statement signed by its coordinator Adebayo Adedeji, alleged that the state government was preparing to deploy negative narratives across multiple media platforms to damage Oyebamiji’s public image. The group claimed the alleged strategy involved the dissemination of falsehoods and malicious narratives through newspapers, radio, television, and social media. “The objective is to tarnish the image of a gentleman politician whose governorship aspiration continues to gain remarkable momentum,” the statement said.
The group further alleged that previous attempts to link Oyebamiji to wrongdoing had failed, prompting what it described as a coordinated smear campaign intended to persist until election day. It urged residents of Osun State to remain vigilant and disregard what it termed “baseless publications and broadcasts,” describing the alleged strategy as misleading to the electorate.
Adedeji also called on the state government to focus on its performance in office, raising questions about the utilisation of certain federal funds and broader economic conditions in the state. “These are the issues that matter to the people—not contrived propaganda against a credible alternative,” the statement added.
However, the Adeleke Campaign Organisation rejected the allegations, stating that no amount of propaganda could alter what it described as Oyebamiji’s past record in public office. In its response, the organisation said residents of Osun were aware of the candidate’s previous roles in government, including his tenure in state agencies and as commissioner.
“We have been flaunting Governor Adeleke’s achievements across major towns in Osun State and across sectors,” the group said. It also issued what it described as 30 accountability questions directed at Oyebamiji, covering issues such as asset management, financial decisions, and administrative actions during his time in office. Among the concerns raised were allegations relating to the sale of state assets, management of public funds, pension obligations, and decisions taken during his tenure in various capacities. It also questioned his role in past economic policies, as well as his leadership positions at state and national levels, including oversight of waterways.
“We urge Mr. Oyebamiji to be man enough to own up to his past. Voters should assess candidates based on their records,” it said.
The intensifying exchange underscores the high stakes of the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, with both camps trading accusations as they seek to shape public perception ahead of the vote.
