Osun 2026: APC, Accord Trade Words Over Adeleke’s Performance, Electoral Prospects

The Osun State chapters of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and the Accord Party have engaged in a war of words over governance and political prospects ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the APC State Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, accused Governor Ademola Adeleke and his allies of launching what he described as frivolous attacks on a former governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, as well as the party’s governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

Lawal claimed that the criticisms were driven by what he termed the ruling party’s disadvantaged position in the state’s political calculations, insisting that such attacks would not prevent the APC from defeating the incumbent administration in the 2026 election.

He alleged that the Adeleke administration had failed in key sectors, including health, education, security and infrastructure, accusing the governor of running the state without proper planning.

“It is neither Oyetola nor Oyebamiji that is responsible for the ill-fated status of this administration,” Lawal said.

The APC further accused the state government of mismanaging public funds and questioned the impact of its spending over the past three years. It also alleged that the administration misled the public over delays in local government allocations.

According to the APC, the delay followed a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on February 10, 2025, which reinstated APC local government officials, adding that the judgment had not been appealed.

The party alleged that the state government had instead instituted multiple court cases to frustrate the process.

“We are going into the August 8, 2026 governorship election to win with the votes of the good people of the state and restore its lost glory,” the APC stated.

Reacting on Monday, the Osun State chapter of the Accord Party dismissed the APC’s claims, describing them as a sign of panic and frustration.

In a statement signed by its State Chairman, Pastor Victor Akande, the Accord Party said the APC’s comments were intellectually bankrupt and reflected fear of losing relevance in Osun politics.

Akande maintained that Osun State had experienced significant improvements under Governor Adeleke, citing what he described as progress in road construction, public infrastructure and workers’ welfare.

“Governor Adeleke has prioritised workers’ welfare and restored consistency in salary payments,” he said.

The party also defended the administration’s record in health and security, claiming that health facilities had been upgraded and collaboration with security agencies strengthened, resulting in improved stability across the state.

Accord rejected the APC’s criticism of the government’s financial management, insisting that the current administration was addressing challenges inherited from previous governments.

Akande further accused the APC of presiding over hardship during its time in office, particularly referencing the era of half-salary payments to workers, which he said residents of the state had not forgotten.

Maintaining that the electorate would not return the APC to power in 2026, he added, “Osun will not relapse. The people will not return to their abusers.”