The political landscape in Osun State, Nigeria, is heating up as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) engage in a war of words over the performance of Governor Ademola Adeleke. The APC, through its National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, has launched a scathing attack on Adeleke’s administration, accusing him of comprehensive failure in governance. Basiru, an aspirant for the APC governorship ticket in 2026, alleges a lack of focus and a nebulous leadership structure, further criticizing Adeleke’s handling of critical sectors such as education, health, and security. The APC scribe points to the dismissal of teachers without replacements, a crippled health insurance scheme, and escalating security concerns as evidence of the governor’s alleged ineptitude. He asserts that the people of Osun are disillusioned with Adeleke’s leadership and will reject him in the next election.
In a sharp rebuttal, Diran Odeyemi, a PDP National Executive Committee member and prominent figure in Osun State politics, vehemently denies Basiru’s claims. He argues that Adeleke’s achievements are undeniable, highlighting infrastructural developments across the state. Odeyemi dismisses Basiru’s critique as stemming from the APC’s 2018 electoral defeat, suggesting that the APC scribe is still grappling with the loss and resorting to disparaging the incumbent governor to bolster his own governorship aspirations. He challenges Basiru to return to Osun and witness the tangible improvements firsthand, implying that the APC secretary’s prolonged stay in Abuja has disconnected him from the realities on the ground. Odeyemi emphasizes the widespread positive impact of Adeleke’s governance, claiming that every ward in the state has benefited from development initiatives.
The exchange between the two parties has further intensified with the emergence of rumors regarding Adeleke’s potential defection to the APC. Basiru, while denying any involvement in inviting Adeleke to the APC, states he is unaware of any formal approach by the governor to join the ruling party. He, however, leaves the door open for consideration should such a move materialize. Odeyemi, however, vehemently dismisses the speculation, attributing it to APC propaganda. He questions the APC’s motive in inviting a governor who previously defeated them, especially considering what he perceives as the current administration’s lackluster performance.
Odeyemi asserts that Adeleke has no interest in joining the APC, highlighting the governor’s satisfaction with the PDP and the people’s support for his leadership. He emphasizes that the APC’s reliance on federal backing will not sway the electorate in Osun, who appreciate Adeleke’s performance and prioritize capable leadership. He dismisses the defection rumors as baseless and unjustified, emphasizing Adeleke’s commitment to the PDP and the progress he has made in Osun State.
This political sparring reflects the high stakes involved in the upcoming 2026 governorship election. Basiru’s criticisms, aimed at portraying Adeleke as an incompetent leader, are part of a strategy to position himself as a viable alternative for the top job. Odeyemi’s robust defense of Adeleke’s record underscores the PDP’s determination to retain control of the state. The exchange highlights the contrasting narratives being presented to the public, with the APC painting a picture of failure and the PDP emphasizing progress and development.
The rumors of Adeleke’s potential defection, though dismissed by the PDP, add another layer of intrigue to the political drama unfolding in Osun State. While the veracity of these rumors remains unclear, they serve as a testament to the fluid nature of political alliances and the ongoing maneuvering for advantage. It is evident that both the APC and the PDP are gearing up for a fierce contest in 2026, with the battle lines already drawn and the rhetoric escalating. The coming months will likely witness further exchanges as both parties seek to sway public opinion and secure their political futures.
The clash between Basiru and Odeyemi reveals the underlying tensions and competing narratives within Osun State politics. The APC, seeking to regain power, is actively highlighting what it perceives as the shortcomings of the current administration. The PDP, on the other hand, is showcasing its achievements and portraying Adeleke as a capable leader. The public, ultimately, will be the judge of these competing claims. The 2026 election promises to be a closely watched contest, with the outcome likely hinging on the electorate’s perception of the incumbent governor’s performance and the viability of the alternatives presented by the opposition.
