THE Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected allegations of political victimisation made by Governor Ademola Adeleke against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, the APC described the governor’s allegations as unfounded and urged him to focus on issues surrounding the forthcoming election.
Adeleke, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party, had at a campaign rally in Osogbo on Monday accused Tinubu and Oyetola of being behind what he described as political persecution against him.
The governor also raised concerns about the conduct of the police and warned against any attempt to undermine the credibility of the August 15 election.
Adeleke said, “Mr. President, I am passing this message directly to you. We have publicly endorsed you for the 2027 presidential election. What more do you want from us? Why then are our people being killed?
“The police have been compromised. They should concentrate on tackling the kidnappers and other criminals troubling your administration instead of intimidating innocent people.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I am telling you that our people will come out en masse to vote, and we will protect our votes.”
Responding, the APC said Adeleke had not provided sufficient evidence to substantiate his allegations against Tinubu and Oyetola.
“The allegations of political victimisation against President Tinubu and Oyetola are misplaced and frivolous,” the party said.
The APC also questioned Adeleke’s reference to his endorsement of President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, arguing that the endorsement should not have any bearing on the conduct of the Osun governorship poll.
“We want to remind Governor Adeleke that his endorsement of President Tinubu as his presidential candidate in the 2027 election wasn’t forced on him,” the statement said.
The party added that the August 15 election would provide Osun residents with an opportunity to assess the performance of Adeleke’s administration.
“Why the worry if it is true that Governor Adeleke has done well for his state, as the forthcoming 15th August, 2026 governorship election will be a yardstick to measure his claim in this regard?” the APC said.
The party also responded to Adeleke’s assertion that, as governor, he remained the Chief Security Officer of the state, saying the focus should be on ensuring a peaceful electoral process.
It further dismissed suggestions that Adeleke was being politically targeted because of the approaching election and expressed confidence in the chances of its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).
According to the APC, its candidate has worked towards securing the support of voters ahead of the poll.
The party urged political actors in the state to concentrate on campaigning and allow the electorate to determine the outcome of the election on August 15.