By John Dike Osogbo
The political atmosphere in Osun State is heating up ahead of the 2026 governorship election, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Imole Campaign Council clash over issues of governance, credibility, and campaign direction.
The latest exchange was triggered by a statement from the spokesperson of the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who accused the APC of failing to present a clear and actionable agenda to the people of the state.
In a statement titled “Present Your Agenda to the People of Osun and Stop Subjecting Them to Political Trauma,” Olajengbesi criticised the opposition party for what he described as a lack of vision nearly three weeks after unveiling its campaign structure.
According to him, the APC has yet to provide a manifesto or policy framework that offers a viable alternative to the current administration.
“About 20 days after its inauguration, not a single coherent agenda has been presented to the people. No manifesto, no policy direction, no vision just an obsession with power,” he said.
Olajengbesi argued that any party seeking to return to power must demonstrate humility, accept past shortcomings, and present concrete solutions to the electorate, rather than rely on rhetoric and political attacks.
He maintained that opposition politics should be anchored on ideas and credibility, not what he described as “empty criticism,” stressing that voters deserve clear plans on economic growth, governance, and development.
The Imole campaign spokesman also revisited the APC’s past administration in the state, describing it as a period many residents still associate with hardship, delayed salaries, and economic strain.
“For many families, that era was not governance but endurance. Workers faced uncertainty, pensioners were neglected, and households experienced avoidable hardship,” he said.
He further questioned why the APC was seeking another mandate without publicly accounting for its previous time in office or presenting fresh ideas.
However, the APC, in a swift response, dismissed Olajengbesi’s claims as unfounded and accused him of engaging in political theatrics and misinformation.
In a statement by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the party described the Imole campaign spokesman as “reckless,” alleging that his public comments particularly during a radio programme in Osogbo—revealed what it termed a poor understanding of legal and governance issues.
The APC also faulted Olajengbesi’s remarks on the 2018 governorship election, insisting that he misrepresented the judicial process that initially produced Gboyega Oyetola as governor before subsequent legal developments.
The party accused him of selectively interpreting court judgments, questioning his stance on judicial decisions that favoured different political interests at different times.
“It is unfortunate that a legal practitioner would, for political reasons, misrepresent judicial facts and undermine the rule of law,” the statement said.
The opposition party further alleged that Olajengbesi made incorrect claims regarding the status of local government leadership in the state, maintaining that a Court of Appeal judgment delivered on February 10, 2025, reinstated its council chairmen and councillors.
According to the APC, any contrary position ignores established legal realities and ongoing judicial processes.
The party went on to defend its campaign and candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, insisting that criticism from the Imole camp would not derail its efforts to reclaim power in the state.
It expressed confidence that its candidate would emerge victorious in the forthcoming election, pledging what it described as a “restoration agenda” for Osun State.
The APC also took a swipe at the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, arguing that its performance over the past years does not justify a second term.
Despite the heated rhetoric from both sides, political observers say the exchange reflects the growing intensity of the 2026 governorship race, with parties increasingly shifting from internal preparations to aggressive public engagement.
As the election draws closer, analysts note that beyond the war of words, voters will likely demand clear policy proposals, accountability, and evidence-based campaigns from all contenders.
