As the 2026 Osun State governorship election approaches, tensions between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) have intensified, with both parties trading accusations and political jabs.
On Monday, Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson for Governor Ademola Adeleke, asserted that the APC should abandon hopes of leveraging President Bola Tinubu’s influence to reclaim power in the state. Rasheed emphasized that President Tinubu, known for his democratic principles, would not support any attempts to manipulate the electoral process.
This statement was a direct response to remarks by former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, who allegedly referred to Governor Adeleke as a “caretaker governor” during a radio interview. Rasheed condemned the comment, highlighting that the Supreme Court had validated Adeleke’s election and that he was delivering on his mandate.
In defense, Osun APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi clarified that Owoeye’s “caretaker” remark was metaphorical, suggesting that Adeleke’s tenure would be short-lived due to the APC’s anticipated victory in 2026. Olabisi interpreted Rasheed’s comments as signs of apprehension within the PDP ranks.
The political landscape in Osun is further complicated by internal divisions within the APC. A longstanding rivalry between former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola has led to factionalism, with suspensions of key party members and the formation of splinter groups like the Omoluabi Caucus. This internal discord has raised concerns about the APC’s cohesion ahead of the upcoming election.
Additionally, the state has witnessed legal disputes over local government leadership. Governor Adeleke’s administration has been accused by the APC of undermining court rulings reinstating sacked local government officials, leading to heightened tensions and allegations of potential unrest.
