Osun APC, Governor Adeleke Trade Barbs Following Emergence of 2026 Governorship Candidate

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Ademola Adeleke have exchanged sharp words following the emergence of Bola Oyebamiji as the APC governorship candidate for the 2026 election.

In a statement released on Sunday, the APC accused Governor Adeleke of being “jittery and restless” over Oyebamiji’s emergence through a seamless consensus primary held in Osogbo on December 13, 2025. The party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, said the governor’s reaction—conveyed via his spokesman—to comments made by APC National Chairman Professor Nentawe Yilwatda reflected unease within Adeleke’s camp.

Professor Yilwatda had reportedly remarked that the APC could not afford to lose additional states after the recent governorship election in Anambra, a comment that drew criticism from the Osun State Government. The APC also alleged that Adeleke’s administration had underperformed, citing the dismissal of teachers and health workers employed during the previous administration of Former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

“The people of Osun State are tired of mere edifices without adequate manpower in schools and hospitals. Our candidate is prepared to contest and win the August 8, 2026 election,” Olabisi said, challenging Governor Adeleke to a televised debate.

In response, Governor Adeleke, through his spokesman Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the APC’s claims, reaffirming his determination to seek re-election and vowing to defeat Oyebamiji “by the might of God and the people.” Adeleke described Oyetola’s comments as “wishful thinking and illusory grandstanding,” and characterised the previous APC administration as an anti-people era, noting that Osun faced economic and social challenges when he assumed office in 2022.

He added that his government enjoys strong public backing through people-oriented policies in workers’ welfare, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and inclusive development, while accusing the APC of anti-democratic practices.

“The people of the State are fully satisfied with the responsive governance being delivered by the present administration,” Adeleke stated, asserting that his administration is restoring dignity to governance.