Osun Poll: Campaign On Issues, Not Allegations, APC National Secretary Tells Adeleke 

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The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Bashiru, has urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to focus on issue-based campaigning ahead of the August 15 governorship election instead of, in his view, making allegations against President Bola Tinubu and leaders of the APC.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Bashiru was reacting to remarks reportedly made by Governor Adeleke at a campaign rally in Osogbo, where the governor expressed concerns over security in the state and appealed to President Tinubu to ensure a free, fair and peaceful election.

According to Bashiru, allegations of election manipulation and political intimidation made days before the poll were unfounded and reflected what he described as anxiety over the forthcoming election.

“The election is barely eleven days away. Rather than casting aspersions on President Tinubu and APC leaders, Governor Adeleke should campaign on his record and allow the people of Osun to decide,” Bashiru said.

The APC National Secretary argued that the governor should present his administration’s achievements to the electorate, contending that key sectors such as infrastructure and education still face significant challenges. He cited deteriorating roads and what he described as a shortage of teachers as evidence that the administration should focus on governance rather than political accusations.

Bashiru also dismissed suggestions that Governor Adeleke’s endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term in 2027 would influence the outcome of the Osun governorship election, insisting that the governor must seek re-election based on his own performance.

He maintained that the growing support for the APC and its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), was evident in campaign activities across the state and said the election should be decided by the will of the people.

Meanwhile, the Osun State chapter of the APC also criticised Governor Adeleke’s comments, accusing him of attempting to shift responsibility for his political challenges to President Tinubu and former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

In a statement signed by the party’s spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, the APC described the governor’s allegations against Tinubu and Oyetola as “baseless and unfounded,” insisting that security agencies should be allowed to perform their constitutional responsibilities without political interference.

The party further challenged Governor Adeleke to defend his administration’s record before the electorate instead of raising what it called “unsubstantiated allegations” against political opponents.

The APC reiterated its confidence that the August 15 governorship election would be conducted peacefully and urged all political parties and their supporters to conduct their campaigns responsibly and in accordance with the law.