Tension is mounting in Osun State’s political landscape as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) engage in a fierce war of words over the screening of Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
Governor Adeleke, who is seeking a second term in office, was screened on Thursday at the PDP National Secretariat, Legacy House, Abuja, alongside other aspirants. The closed-door exercise was conducted under the supervision of top party leaders, including the South-West Vice Chairman, Kamarudeen Ajisafe; Osun PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi; Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye; and Commissioners Dr. B.T. Salami and Rev. Bunmi Jenyo.
Speaking after the exercise, Adeleke exuded confidence, insisting that his administration’s performance had endeared him to the people of Osun.
“We have delivered good governance to our people in Osun. Our records and popularity are unrivalled. We are ready for victory come 2026,” he said.
“Our administration has shown commitment to transparency and people-centred governance. We are confident that the will of the people will prevail in the best interest of democracy.”
The governor further expressed optimism in the Federal Government’s assurance of a credible electoral process, adding that his administration’s track record of service would speak for itself.
However, the Osun State chapter of the APC swiftly dismissed Adeleke’s remarks, describing the PDP’s screening exercise as a “face-saving charade” following what it termed the governor’s “failed attempt” to defect to the opposition party.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC accused Adeleke of running a “shallow and wasteful government,” alleging that over ₦60 billion had been expended on the Governor’s Office in 35 months “without recruiting a single teacher into the state’s schools.”
The statement further claimed that the administration had failed to adequately fund education, leading to arbitrary fee hikes in tertiary institutions and an alleged botched teacher recruitment scheme that “defrauded” over 32,000 citizens.
“Governor Adeleke’s re-election bid is doomed. His administration is riddled with misgovernance, misplaced priorities, vengeance, and wastage of public resources,” the statement read.
The APC also alleged that Adeleke had made fruitless efforts to join its fold, claiming he was “recently sighted loitering around Aso Villa in search of a soft landing.”
“Today’s kangaroo screening is a smokescreen to cover up his political desperation. The people of Osun have already screened him out with their verdict on his performance,” the APC declared.
The party boasted of a robust line-up of governorship aspirants it described as “super-qualified” and capable of defeating Adeleke in 2026, vowing to reclaim the state from the PDP.
“The coming election is for Adeleke and his rudderless government to lose. Osun people have seen through the charade of this administration and are ready for change,” the statement concluded.
