The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Ademola Adeleke have engaged in a war of words following the selection of Bola Oyebamiji as the APC’s governorship candidate for the 2026 election.
The APC, in a Sunday statement by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, accused Governor Adeleke of being “jittery and restless” over Oyebamiji’s emergence via a consensus primary held on Saturday. The party pointed to the governor’s reaction to comments from APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, who reportedly stated the APC could not afford to lose more states after Anambra, as evidence of unease in the governor’s camp.
Furthermore, the APC criticized Governor Adeleke’s administration, alleging poor performance, particularly citing the dismissal of teachers and health workers hired by the preceding administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. The party claimed the people are tired of “mere edifices without adequate manpower” and asserted that Oyebamiji is ready to win the August 8, 2026, election, while challenging Governor Adeleke to a televised debate.
In response, Governor Adeleke dismissed the APC’s claims and reaffirmed his intention to seek re-election, expressing confidence that he would defeat Oyebamiji with the backing of God and the people. Through his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, the governor labeled comments attributed to Oyetola at the APC primary as “wishful thinking.”
Governor Adeleke characterized the former APC administration as “anti-people” and alleged that his government had inherited significant economic and social challenges in 2022. He maintained that his administration has popular support due to people-oriented policies across various sectors, including workers’ welfare, infrastructure, and healthcare, and accused the APC of resorting to anti-democratic practices, questioning its confidence ahead of the 2026 polls.
About The Author
