From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
As the 2026 governorship election approaches, political activity in Osun State is heating up gradually. Both the ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the opposition, the All Progressives Congress (APC), are gearing up for a fierce contest. With less than two years remaining in Governor Ademola Adeleke’s term, accusations and counter-accusations between the two major parties have begun in earnest.
The endorsement of Governor Adeleke by various groups has started to surface, a common occurrence during election cycles in Osun State. Supporters can often be heard proclaiming “Adeleke for a second term” at public events, which are increasingly resembling political rallies. They tout the governor’s achievements as reason for their stand. They are insisting he has done enough to deserve a re-election.
Zoning Issues Within APC
The APC faces significant internal challenges regarding the zoning of its governorship ticket to the West Senatorial District. Party leaders have yet to agree on a candidate and the uncertainty surrounding Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola’s potential re-election bid is intensifying tensions. Various interest groups within the APC are pushing for their preferred candidates, further complicating the situation.
Both the APC and PDP have acknowledged issues that could impact their chances in the upcoming election. Prominent figures in the PDP, including former Board of Trustees member Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun, Dotun Babayemi, former Chief of Staff to former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Elder Peter Babalola, among others, have left the PDP, raising concerns about unity within the party.
Tensions between Governor Adeleke and lawmakers, such as Hon. Wole Oke, have also sparked worry among party leaders, including former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Senator Francis Fadahunsi.
Reactions to Endorsements
In response to the endorsements received by Governor Adeleke at a recent interdenominational prayer service, Kola Olabisi, the Director of Media and Information for the APC, dismissed their significance. He asserted that no amount of endorsements could prevent the governor from being voted out in 2026. Olabisi stated that “Political history shows that such endorsements do not guarantee success. Governor Adeleke’s administration has not added value to the state, and the people are ready for change.”
Olabisi emphasised that the governor’s continued tenure relies on constitutional allowances, urging Adeleke to recognise the dissatisfaction among the populace. He cautioned that the community is weary of a governor who fails to address pressing issues like concentration of development and appointment on his hometown, Ede (Edenization), sacking of teachers and failure to recruit another teachers, and some promises he made which he did not fulfil.
PDP’s Response
Sunday Bisi, the chairman of the PDP, countered Olabisi’s claims, labelling the APC’s reaction as a desperate attempt to undermine Adeleke’s support. He argued that the endorsements reflect the will of the people, who stand firmly behind the governor. Bisi criticised the APC for not acknowledging the negative impact of its previous administration, stating, “No amount of rhetoric will erase the support Governor Adeleke has garnered.”
Bisi defended Adeleke’s record, highlighting infrastructure improvements and financial reforms that have benefitted the community. He pointed out that under Adeleke, promotions and pension payments have been addressed, contrasting this with the APC’s failures during its tenure.
Education and Health Sector Investments
Bisi addressed the APC’s claims regarding the dismissal of 1,500 teachers, calling it a fabrication. He claimed that when Adeleke took office, public school infrastructure was in disrepair due to neglect by the previous administration. In the two years since Adeleke assumed office, the government has rehabilitated over 100 public schools and improved health facilities across the State, ensuring access to essential services.
He criticised the APC for its failures, particularly regarding the alleged mismanagement of a $20.5 million grant from the World Bank intended for public health improvements. Bisi expressed confidence that Osun residents recognise the contrast between the past and the current administration’s efforts to rectify previous mistakes.
Daily Sun investigations however revealed that the allegation of mismanagement has been addressed by the previous APC administration, where it outlined all how the funds were used to fix 332 PHCs and some tertiary health institutions which are today functioning optimally.
As the 2026 election approaches, the political landscape in Osun State is becoming increasingly contentious. With both the PDP and APC preparing for a fierce battle, the electorate will be closely watching how these dynamics unfold. Bisi urged the people of Osun to remain vigilant against misinformation and to support the progress being made under Governor Adeleke’s leadership.