THE campaign organisation of Dr Akin Ogunbiyi has debunked a viral video circulating on social media, describing it as manipulated and misleading, while launching a scathing critique of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration and alleged re-election tactics.

In a statement issued on Saturday by Engr. Dare Ojo on behalf of the campaign, the organisation clarified that the video falsely portrayed Ogunbiyi as claiming that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu doubted the All Progressives Congress (APC)’s ability to win the Osun governorship election and had instead backed Governor Adeleke.

The campaign insisted that the claim was “entirely false,” noting that the 30-second clip was taken out of context and did not reflect Ogunbiyi’s actual position.

According to the statement, Ogunbiyi had, during a meeting with party leaders and stakeholders, referenced ongoing political manoeuvres allegedly linked to efforts by Governor Adeleke to secure entry into the APC “through the backdoor,” driven by fears of electoral defeat.

The statement further explained that former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, alongside other APC leaders in Osun, had met with President Tinubu to affirm the party’s readiness to reclaim power in the state.

During the engagement, the delegation reportedly highlighted what it described as the Adeleke administration’s undermining of federal initiatives and attempts to discredit the President among voters.

Ogunbiyi’s camp maintained that President Tinubu rejected any attempt to admit Adeleke into the APC and has continued to support the party’s structure in Osun, including endorsing Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) as the party’s governorship candidate.

The statement also revealed that following a separate meeting between Oyebamiji and the President, Tinubu expressed confidence in the APC candidate after reviewing his proposed economic blueprint for the state, assuring him of full support ahead of the August 15 election.

Turning criticism toward the state government, the campaign accused Governor Adeleke of resorting to propaganda due to what it described as a poor governance record and looming electoral defeat. It questioned the governor’s inability to campaign based on his achievements, alleging that despite receiving nearly ₦1 trillion in revenue over the past 40 months, the administration has little to show in key sectors.

The campaign cited rising education costs, claiming that fees in state-owned institutions have reached as high as ₦1.5 million, as well as escalating food prices attributed to what it described as weak agricultural policies. It also alleged disproportionate spending priorities, claiming over ₦90 billion had been spent on hospitality-related expenses compared to about ₦7 billion on agriculture.

The Ogunbiyi campaign concluded that the electorate in Osun State had already shifted support toward the APC and its candidate, Oyebamiji, asserting that no amount of “falsehood or propaganda” would alter the outcome of the forthcoming election.