Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke
By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused former governor, Gboyega Oyetola, and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), of plotting to destabilise the forthcoming August 15, 2026 governorship election out of fear of defeat.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor alleged that opposition elements within the Osun APC were resorting to anti-democratic tactics, having realised their dwindling popularity among the electorate.
“Out of fear of defeat, Mr Oyetola and his imposed candidate are desperate to disrupt the August 15 election. Having seen clearly that Osun people have rejected them, they are now resorting to anti-democratic means in a last-ditch effort to secure power,” the statement said.
Adeleke further claimed that internal opinion polls allegedly commissioned by the APC between late 2025 and March 2026 showed the party’s popularity falling below 30 percent, while his administration maintained an approval rating between 68 and 72 percent.
“This clearly shows that Governor Adeleke enjoys overwhelming support from the people. The opposition can already see the outcome ahead of August 15,” the statement added.
The governor also linked the opposition’s alleged anxiety to recent remarks credited to Dr Akin Ogunbiyi, which he said clarified that there would be no federal interference in the Osun election.
According to the statement, this development “unsettled the Oyetola/AMBO faction,” leaving them with “no option but to resort to failed schemes.”
The statement went on to list what it described as a series of unsuccessful attempts by the opposition to regain power, including alleged efforts to instigate a local government crisis, push for a state of emergency, and influence electoral processes.
“They orchestrated the local government crisis to stall development, sponsored harassment of government loyalists, and attempted to block the governor from appearing on the ballot, but all failed,” the statement claimed.
It further alleged moves to factionalise other political platforms and frustrate opposition alliances, insisting such efforts would also fail.
Adeleke maintained that the opposition’s actions were driven by the realisation that Osun voters would reject them at the polls.
“They are afraid of the people and the power of the ballot. That is why they are working tirelessly to undermine the democratic process,” the statement read.
Expressing confidence ahead of the election, the governor declared that he would defeat the APC candidate before 4pm on election day.
“I will defeat AMBO before 4pm on August 15 by the grace of God and the overwhelming support of the Osun people,” he said.
