Osun 2026: Governor Adeleke pledges victory over APC, Oyebamiji

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has affirmed his determination to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, in the August 8, 2026 election.

Responding to remarks attributed to former Governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, during the APC governorship primary, Governor Adeleke described the opposition’s confidence as “wishful thinking, illusory grandstanding, and a failure to acknowledge the deep unpopularity of the APC among the people of Osun State.”

“By the grace of God and the support of the people, I will defeat Oyebamiji,” the governor declared in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, on Sunday.

He characterised the Oyetola administration as an anti-people era, noting that the state he inherited in 2022 reflected “a dark page in Osun’s socio-political history,” and emphasised that neither workers nor citizens desire a return to that period.

Governor Adeleke, highlighting the broad support for his re-election, criticised the APC for engaging in anti-democratic practices rather than appealing directly to the electorate.

“If you are confident of the people’s votes, why resort to anti-democratic measures to obstruct the people’s will? It is shameful that those claiming popularity are unwilling to face voters in a free and fair election,” he added.

The governor further dismissed Oyetola’s assertions as “a misreading of the political reality in Osun State,” emphasising that citizens are satisfied with the people-oriented and responsive governance delivered by his administration.

He concluded by noting that his government continues to reverse previous administrative setbacks and restore dignity to governance, as evidenced by numerous awards and recognitions, including the recent Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge for the South West region.