Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and Governor Ademola Adeleke have exchanged words following the emergence of Bola Oyebamiji as the APC governorship candidate for the 2026 election.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the APC accused Governor Adeleke of being jittery and restless over Oyebamiji’s emergence through a seamless consensus primary held in Osogbo on Saturday, December 13, 2025.
The party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, said the governor’s reaction, conveyed through his spokesman, to comments credited to the APC National Chairman, Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, reflected unease within the governor’s camp.
Professor Yilwatda had reportedly said the APC could not afford to lose additional states after the recent governorship election in Anambra State, a remark that drew criticism from the Osun State Government.
The APC also alleged that Governor Adeleke’s administration had performed poorly in governance, citing the dismissal of teachers and health workers employed by the previous administration of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
“The people of Osun State are tired of mere edifices without adequate manpower in schools and hospitals. The APC’s candidate is prepared to contest and win the August 8, 2026 election,” he said
The party while challenging Governor Adeleke to a televised debate with Oyebamiji, who is tested and experienced, advised the governor to prepare for a transition of power.
Reacting, Governor Adeleke dismissed the APC’s claims and reaffirmed his determination to seek re-election, declaring that he would defeat Oyebamiji by the might of God and the people.
In a statement signed by his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, the governor described comments attributed to Oyetola at the APC primary as wishful thinking and illusory grandstanding.
Governor Adeleke characterised the previous APC administration as an anti-people era and alleged that Osun State faced economic and social challenges when he assumed office in 2022.
He said his government enjoyed the backing of the people through people-oriented policies in workers’ welfare, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and inclusive development.
“The people of the State are fully satisfied with the responsive governance being delivered by the present administration,” he stated.
Governor Adeleke also accused the APC of resorting to anti-democratic practices, questioning the party’s confidence in its popularity ahead of the 2026 polls.
He maintained that his administration was reversing past challenges and restoring dignity to governance.
Osun 2026: APC, Adeleke trade words over Oyebamiji candidacy
