APC, Adeleke trade barbs ahead of Osun governorship poll

2026-03-08 - 15:47

By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo Tensions have risen in Osun State as the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) and Governor Ademola Adeleke disagree over his qualification for re-election ahead of the August 15 governorship poll. The APC criticized Governor Adeleke, accusing him of mismanaging state finances and favouring his hometown in recent teacher recruitment exercises. In a statement by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC alleged that out of 876 teachers recruited, 88 slots were allocated to Ede alone, while other towns received smaller allocations. The statement added that of the 38 education officers recruited, six slots went to Ede, with disproportionate distributions across other local government areas. According to the APC, the allocations showed a lack of fairness and equitable spread in governance. Responding, Governor Adeleke, through his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, highlighted his administration’s achievements and argued that he deserves a second term. The governor cited infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, and improvements in education and healthcare as key reasons. Among his claimed achievements, Adeleke’s administration increased Osun’s national examination rankings from 33rd to 7th, reconstructed over 200 health centres with solar and water facilities, rehabilitated about 150 schools, and completed several projects at Osun State University, including securing final national medical accreditation and supporting the establishment of the University of Ilesa. The governor also emphasized that his administration follows procurement regulations, enforces equitable infrastructure allocation, and maintains financial accountability. He described his governance approach as inclusive, forward-looking, and focused on sustainable development across all sectors.