By John Dike, Osogbo
A fresh war of words has erupted between the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Ademola Adeleke, with the opposition party accusing the state government of misleading the public over federal allocations and the performance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
In a strongly worded statement issued by its Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, the APC alleged that the Adeleke administration has embarked on what it described as a “campaign of calumny” against the Federal Government, particularly on issues relating to local government funding.
The party was reacting to comments reportedly made by the Osun State Commissioner for Education, Mr Dipo Eluwole, during a radio programme in Osogbo, where he allegedly claimed that federal allocations meant for the state had been withheld.
Rejecting the claim, the APC insisted that there was no basis for accusing the Federal Government of withholding funds, maintaining that allocations to local government councils have continued without interruption.
According to the party, funds meant for the councils are being accessed by what it described as Court of Appeal-reinstated local government chairmen, following a judgment delivered in February 2025 which, it said, restored APC-backed officials to office.
The APC argued that the reinstated council officials have since been discharging their constitutional responsibilities, accusing the state government of deliberately distorting facts to gain public sympathy.
Beyond the issue of allocations, the opposition party also criticised several claims made by officials of the Adeleke administration during the radio programme, describing them as inaccurate and misleading.
It faulted the state government’s explanation regarding infrastructure challenges, including reports of damage to buildings at a state technical college in Osogbo, questioning the call for external assistance in addressing the situation.
The APC further took issue with the administration’s position on public school feeding, alleging that the programme had not been consistently implemented as claimed.
The party also raised concerns over environmental management practices, particularly claims that residents should not dispose of waste on road medians, while alleging inconsistencies in how waste collection is handled by government agencies.
In addition, the APC criticised remarks attributed to the state’s Commissioner for Information, accusing him of making unfounded allegations against the opposition and attempting to shift blame for political tensions in the state.
The party described the radio programme, which was broadcast across multiple stations, as a “waste of public resources,” alleging that it failed to provide meaningful accountability or address key governance issues.
It also questioned the absence of Governor Adeleke from the programme, arguing that residents deserved direct engagement with the state’s chief executive rather than responses from aides.
Reaffirming its stance, the APC called on the state government to prioritise transparency and accurate communication, urging it to focus on governance rather than political messaging.
The development underscores the deepening political rivalry in Osun State ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, with both the ruling government and opposition parties intensifying efforts to shape public perception.
As the political atmosphere continues to heat up, observers say the exchange of accusations highlights the growing tension that may define the build-up to the polls.
