Osun: Gov Adeleke, APC in War of Words Over Governorship Race

News Update

Political temperature in Osun State is rising by the day as Governor Ademola Adeleke and the All Progressives Congress (APC) exchanged verbal volleys over the 2026 governorship election, following the emergence of Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji as the APC’s consensus candidate.

Governor Adeleke declared his resolve to secure a second term, stating that he would defeat the APC candidate “by the might of God and the people” in order to sustain what he described as good governance and a people-oriented administration in the state.

Reacting to remarks credited to former governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, during the APC primary election, the governor dismissed the opposition’s optimism as unrealistic and detached from political realities in the state.

Governor Adeleke who spoke through his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed said the people of Osun State remained satisfied with his administration’s performance in workers’ welfare, infrastructure, healthcare delivery, education and inclusive development.

He warned against a return to what he termed the “anti-people era” associated with the APC’s 12-year rule in the state.

The governor also accused the opposition party of engaging in anti-democratic actions rather than selling its programmes to the electorate, insisting that his re-election bid enjoys overwhelming grassroots support.

However, the Osun State chapter of the APC, in a statement released and signed by its Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, accused Governor Adeleke of being jittery and unsettled by the emergence of Oyebamiji as the party’s flag bearer.

The party described the governor as embattled and alleged that his administration had failed in critical sectors, including education and healthcare.

The APC claimed that public schools lack teachers while hospitals have become mere consulting centres due to shortages of drugs and manpower.

Maintaining that Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji is a tested and credible candidate, the APC expressed confidence of reclaiming Osun State in the August 8, 2026 governorship election and challenged Governor Adeleke to a televised debate.