The political atmosphere in Osun State has become heated as the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Ademola Adeleke exchange harsh words following the nomination of Bola Oyebamiji as the APC governorship candidate for the 2026 election.
In a statement released on Sunday, the 14th of December, 2025, the APC accused Governor Adeleke of being jittery and restless over Oyebamiji’s emergence, which was decided through a seamless consensus primary held in Osogbo on Saturday, the 13th of December, 2025.
Kola Olabisi, the party’s Director of Media and Information, stated that the Governor’s response conveyed via his spokesperson to remarks made by the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, clearly reflected unease within the governor’s camp.
Professor Yilwatda had reportedly commented that the APC could not afford to suffer further state losses after the recent governorship election in Anambra State, a statement that drew sharp criticism from the Osun State Government.
The APC also launched an attack on Governor Adeleke’s administration’s performance, alleging poor governance and citing the dismissal of teachers and health workers employed by 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. The APC’s candidate is prepared to contest and win the August 8, 2026 election,” he said.
Challenging the incumbent to an open confrontation, the party called for a televised debate between the Governor and the tested and experienced Oyebamiji, advising Adeleke to prepare for an imminent transition of power.
In a swift reaction, Governor Adeleke dismissed the entirety of the APC’s claims, reaffirming his determination to seek re-election and declaring that he would defeat Oyebamiji by the might of God and the people.
Through his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, the Governor described comments attributed to Oyetola at the recent APC primary as wishful thinking and illusory grandstanding.
READ ALSO: October 1: NIWA MD Oyebamiji Welcomes 500 Opposition Members to APC in Ikire
Governor Adeleke characterized the tenure of the previous APC administration as an anti-people era, alleging that Osun State inherited significant economic and social challenges when he assumed office in 2022. He maintained that his government enjoys the overwhelming backing of the people due to its people-oriented policies focused on workers’ welfare, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and inclusive development.
“The people of the State are fully satisfied with the responsive governance being delivered by the present administration,” he stated.
Furthermore, Governor Adeleke accused the APC of resorting to anti-democratic practices and questioned the party’s confidence in its popularity ahead of the 2026 polls. He asserted that his administration was successfully reversing past challenges and restoring dignity to governance.