Adeleke will defeat APC again in 2026 – Spokesperson

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

Spokesperson to Osun State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, has declared that Governor Ademola Adeleke will defeat any All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the 2026 election based on his performance in office.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Rasheed said Adeleke’s governance record has earned him widespread support among Osun voters, workers, and stakeholders, adding that ongoing opposition attacks reflect fear of the governor’s growing popularity.

Responding to claims by APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, Rasheed accused him of spreading falsehoods—particularly on the alleged sacking of teachers and health workers.

He clarified that those disengaged were not legitimate government staff but last-minute political appointees hired by former Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s administration to undermine the current government.

Rasheed also dismissed as “a pitiable lie” the claim that the Adeleke government was digging holes under the Oke Fia bridge.

Highlighting agricultural achievements, he said the APC government failed to procure any tractors between 2015 and 2022, while Adeleke’s administration has already deployed 31 under its mechanisation programme, along with new cocoa and cashew plantation projects.

He further listed achievements such as the revitalisation of the state’s free trade zone, a 45-day C of O processing window, harmonised tax systems, and the launch of Osun’s first digital economy and ICT policies.

On claims that the government responds to criticism with abuse, Rasheed said pointing out facts is not insult. “Is it abusive to say the Governor tarred the road to Bashiru’s house? Or to cite federal reports on debt and health reforms?” he asked.