In a recent discussion in Osogbo, Mr. Sunday Akere, the former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Osun State, expressed confidence in the political prospects of Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, the current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. Akere suggested that Oyetola would have a strong chance to defeat the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) if he were to receive the governorship ticket from the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the upcoming 2026 elections. He highlighted Oyetola’s previous status as the party’s candidate in the last election and pointed to his administration’s notable achievements as indicators of a victorious campaign if he were nominated again. The former commissioner articulated a vision for the 2026 election that hinges on Oyetola’s prior governance and the public sentiment surrounding it.
Akere’s remarks painted Oyetola as a capable leader who prioritized public service. He emphasized that during Oyetola’s tenure, there were no civil protests from workers or students, positioning the former governor as supportive of civil service and education. Specifically, he referenced Oyetola’s initiative to provide bursaries to 3,100 students as indicative of his commitment to supporting the youth. In contrast, Akere criticized the current administration for its financial management, arguing that the resources allocated in a shorter span under the current governor far exceeded what Oyetola had to work with while maintaining peace and stability during his four-year term.
The discussion also touched on project implementation and quality, with Akere asserting that the previous APC administration delivered projects of better quality at lower costs compared to what is currently being executed by the PDP-led government. He expressed concerns over the quality of work being done in the state under the current administration, suggesting that the projects were not only of poor quality but also excessively priced. These comments were part of Akere’s broader argument that the APC’s track record would resonate positively with voters as they approach the upcoming election cycle.
In response to Akere’s statements, the Director of Media and Publicity for the Osun PDP, Oladele Bamiji, asserted that his party would prevail against any candidate put forth by the APC in 2026. He indicated a strong belief in the PDP’s governance, underlining the efficacy of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s leadership and its positive reception among the populace. Bamiji’s comments also served to counter Akere’s assessment of the current government’s allocation and project quality, questioning the comparative analysis Akere presented. He criticized the former administration’s claims regarding financial resources while reiterating the PDP’s commitment to providing quality governance and services to the people of Osun.
Bamiji pointed out that despite economic challenges, including rising fuel prices, the current administration has managed to implement successful projects, which he claims are of a higher standard than those from the previous government. This characterization aims to position the PDP as a forward-looking party that has overcome past difficulties to implement effective governance. He dismissed Akere’s arguments as born from bitterness over the PDP’s electoral victories and suggested that the electorate’s memory of past failures would prevent a return to APC governance.
As the political landscape in Osun State evolves, the interplay between the APC and PDP continues to shape narratives regarding governance, public trust, and electoral prospects. Both parties seem poised for a fierce contest leading up to the 2026 elections, with each leveraging past achievements and current challenges to sway public opinion. Akere’s endorsement of Oyetola positions him as a critical figure in APC’s strategy, while the PDP rallies around Adeleke’s administration, promising a sustained commitment to advancing the state’s welfare amid ongoing scrutiny. With public sentiment as a key barometer, the forthcoming elections will reflect the electorate’s response to both parties’ performances in an increasingly competitive environment.
