OSOGBO, NIGERIA — Tensions have escalated in Osun State as the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Ademola Adeleke exchange sharp criticisms over governance and qualification for re-election ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship poll.
The APC, through its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, accused Governor Adeleke of mismanaging state finances and favouring his hometown, Ede, in recent teacher recruitment exercises. According to the party, out of 876 teachers recruited, 88 slots were allocated to Ede alone, while other towns received smaller allocations. Of the 38 education officers recruited, six slots also went to Ede, which the APC described as showing a lack of fairness and equitable spread in governance.
Responding swiftly, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, highlighted the administration’s achievements as justification for a second term. The governor cited infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, and improvements in education and healthcare as key accomplishments.
Among the achievements listed, the Adeleke administration increased Osun’s national examination rankings from 33rd to 7th, reconstructed over 200 health centres with solar and water facilities, rehabilitated about 150 schools, and completed several projects at Osun State University, including securing final national medical accreditation and supporting the establishment of the University of Ilesa.
The governor also emphasized that his administration follows procurement regulations, enforces equitable infrastructure allocation, and maintains financial accountability, describing his governance approach as inclusive and focused on sustainable development across all sectors.
The exchange is the latest in a series of political battles between the two camps. Earlier in February, the APC had called on anti-corruption agencies to investigate alleged N13 billion payroll fraud under the Adeleke administration, a claim the government rebutted by insisting that the audited payroll predated Governor Adeleke and occurred under the previous APC administration of former governor Gboyega Oyetola.
Governor Adeleke had previously charged Osun electorates to resist election riggers, collect money from opposition elements, and vote against them, while the Osun State Cooperative Movement, representing over seven million members, endorsed him for a second term, citing unprecedented support for the cooperative sector.
As the August poll draws closer, both parties are expected to intensify campaigns and rhetoric, with the electorate watching closely to weigh the competing claims of performance and accountability.
Disclaimer: This material and other digital content on this website may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in whole or in part without the prior express written permission of CDA News Nigeria. All rights reserved. © 2026 CDA News Nigeria.
