The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has categorically dismissed campaign posters promoting Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, for the 2026 governorship election as a malicious fabrication designed to sow discord within the party. These posters, which appeared in Osogbo, the state capital, insinuated Oyetola’s intention to contest the upcoming governorship election, sparking speculation and prompting a swift response from the APC. The party’s spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, vehemently denied any involvement of Oyetola in the creation or distribution of the posters, characterizing the act as a desperate attempt by disgruntled elements to destabilize the APC and tarnish Oyetola’s image.
The APC unequivocally stated that Oyetola, a former governor of Osun State and a prominent figure within the party, neither commissioned the posters nor authorized anyone to do so on his behalf. The party leadership views the incident as a calculated smear campaign orchestrated by political opponents seeking to exploit the situation and create unnecessary tension within the APC ranks. They suggest that these detractors, still reeling from their expulsion from the party, are resorting to underhanded tactics to regain relevance and disrupt the APC’s strategic planning. The party emphasized that such tactics are not surprising and represent the desperate actions of individuals who have lost their political footing.
The APC’s statement strongly condemned the perpetrators of this act, accusing them of lacking subtlety and employing tactics reminiscent of “a witch crying at night and a child dying in the morning”—a Yoruba proverb implying a deliberate attempt to create suspicion and sow discord through veiled actions. The party expressed confidence that the ploy would fail to achieve its intended purpose, as party members and supporters are aware of Oyetola’s integrity and commitment to the APC. The statement further assured that the APC remains resolute in its commitment to upholding the rule of law, fairness, and justice, and will not be deterred by such machinations.
The emergence of these posters underscores the underlying political tensions within Osun State and the ongoing struggle for power within the APC. While the party has officially distanced itself from the posters, the incident highlights the potential for internal rifts and external manipulations to disrupt the party’s cohesion. The timing of the posters, years ahead of the 2026 election, suggests a deliberate attempt to prematurely inject Oyetola’s name into the governorship conversation, potentially creating divisions within the party and influencing public perception. This incident also serves as a reminder of the complexities of Nigerian politics, where rumors and propaganda can be readily employed to influence public opinion and undermine political opponents.
The APC’s firm response, however, indicates a determination to maintain party unity and prevent the spread of misinformation. By promptly addressing the issue and attributing the posters to disgruntled elements, the party seeks to control the narrative and prevent further speculation. This proactive approach also serves to protect Oyetola’s reputation and reaffirm his standing within the party. The incident highlights the importance of effective communication and swift action in countering political maneuvers and maintaining public trust.
The future political landscape of Osun State remains uncertain, and the 2026 governorship election is still years away. However, this incident serves as an early indication of the potential for political maneuvering and the use of propaganda to influence the outcome. The APC’s response, while decisive, underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and a commitment to transparency to navigate the complexities of the political arena. The party’s emphasis on its core values of rule of law, fairness, and justice serves as a guiding principle in navigating these challenges and maintaining public confidence. The incident also underlines the importance of intra-party communication and unity in countering external attempts to create division and instability.
