Political tension is rising in Osun State as the All Progressives Congress (APC) levels fresh allegations against Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The party claims the governor, facing uncertain re-election prospects, attempted to quietly gain entry into the APC “through the backdoor” — an allegation that has further intensified the already heated political atmosphere in the state.
The accusation was made in a statement issued by the campaign organisation of APC chieftain Akin Ogunbiyi, following a viral video that the party insists was manipulated and taken out of context.
According to the APC, the clip falsely suggested that Bola Tinubu had doubts about the party’s chances in Osun or was backing Adeleke — claims the party firmly denied.
Instead, Ogunbiyi maintained that his comments were made during a stakeholders’ meeting, where he addressed what he described as ongoing political manoeuvres by the governor.
“Following that presentation… President Tinubu rejected attempts by certain elements to smuggle Governor Adeleke into the APC… the President has continued to give his full support to the Osun APC… No amount of falsehood, manipulation, or propaganda… will change this resolve.”
Beyond the defection claims, the APC also took aim at Adeleke’s administration, accusing it of underperformance in critical sectors such as education and agriculture.
The party alleged that rising tuition fees in state-owned tertiary institutions and insufficient investment in agriculture have contributed to worsening economic conditions, including increasing food prices across the state.
It also criticised what it described as excessive spending on non-essential activities — a claim aimed at questioning the government’s priorities.
The statement further revealed that a delegation of Osun APC leaders, led by former governor Adegboyega Oyetola, recently met with President Tinubu to reaffirm the party’s readiness for the upcoming election.
During that meeting, the delegation reportedly presented evidence of growing support for the APC and outlined what it described as a clear pathway to victory.
At the centre of the party’s campaign is its candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as Ambo.
According to the APC, Oyebamiji has already secured the President’s backing after presenting a comprehensive economic development blueprint for the state — a move the party says strengthened confidence in his candidacy.
With both camps positioning themselves ahead of the polls, the political battle in Osun is clearly intensifying.
And as accusations, denials, and counterclaims continue to dominate the conversation, the real decision now shifts to the voters — who will ultimately determine whether the allegations reflect political desperation or simply the high stakes of an election season.