By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the appeal by Governor Ademola Adeleke to President Bola Tinubu to intervene and douse the political tension in the state as crocodile tears.
The governor had also appealed to the President to call the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, to order. He had also asked the president to prevail on the police to be professional, fair and neutral in carrying out their lawful duties of protecting lives and properties in the state.
But the APC described the governor’s allegations against President Tinubu and Oyetola being responsible for the political challenges confronting his administration, as “misplaced, frivolous and politically motivated.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, the APC accused the governor, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party, of attempting to shift responsibility for what it described as his dwindling political fortunes ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The opposition party was reacting to remarks allegedly made by Governor Adeleke during a campaign rally in Osogbo on Monday, where he appealed to President Tinubu to intervene in the political situation in Osun State and alleged that his administration was being politically victimised.
According to the APC, Adeleke’s claims against President Tinubu and Oyetola lacked evidence and were intended to prepare the ground for excuses in the event of electoral defeat.
The party argued that the governor’s public statements amounted to “shedding crocodile tears” and accused him of engaging in political rhetoric instead of addressing issues it considers more pressing.
The APC further alleged that the Adeleke administration had failed to explain what it described as the presence of suspected political hoodlums within government circles, while also questioning reports of alleged amnesty granted to convicted political thugs. The party, however, did not provide evidence to support the allegations.
It also rejected the governor’s accusation that security agencies had been compromised, insisting that the state government bears constitutional responsibility for maintaining peace and security.
The APC maintained that Governor Adeleke’s repeated references to political persecution were an indication of anxiety over the forthcoming governorship election rather than genuine concerns about democratic governance.
The party urged the governor to allow the electorate to judge his administration based on its performance, insisting that if he believes he has governed well, the outcome of the August 15 poll would reflect the people’s verdict.
The APC also dismissed Adeleke’s comments regarding withheld state funds and his criticism of Oyetola, describing the governor’s remarks as lacking clarity and substance.
Expressing confidence in its electoral chances, the party said its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), remains well positioned to emerge victorious at the polls.
The APC concluded by urging residents of Osun State to remain peaceful and participate in the election without intimidation, expressing confidence that the process would be free, fair and credible.
Governor Adeleke and his campaign council had earlier alleged political intimidation and appealed to President Tinubu to intervene in rising political tension ahead of the election.
The Osun APC has consistently denied those allegations.
Adeleke Appeals to Tinubu to Intervene in Osun Tension, Warns Against Repeat of 1983 Crisis
Adeleke to Tinubu: Do Not Allow Repeat of What Happened to Bola Ige in 1983 in Osun
