OSUN APC ALLEGES GOVERNOR ADELEKE IS SABOTAGING OPPOSITION, GOVERNMENT DENIES CLAIMS
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of deliberately obstructing the activities of the opposition ahead of next year’s governorship election.
In a statement released by the party’s spokesman, Kola Olabisi, on Friday, the APC alleged that Adeleke was creating an uneven playing field, restricting campaign activities, and misusing his incumbency to undermine their governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji.
The party claimed that the state government issued directives to O’Signage Agency to block the installation of APC billboards in Osogbo, specifically between Akoda and Osogbo City Stadium, and allegedly ordered the agency to identify billboard owners and compensate them for three years. Olabisi described these actions as “unlawful, unpopular, and cruel,” asserting that they stem from the government’s fear of losing the upcoming election.
He urged those behind the directives to reconsider, questioning why Governor Adeleke would avoid engaging in politics by the rules if his popularity were genuine.
Government denies politicisation
Responding to the allegations, Wale Ayofe-Aminu, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on O’Signage, Hoarding and Advertisement Agency, described the claims as “baseless, hollow, and politically motivated.” He said the agency’s actions were routine regulatory measures carried out in accordance with the law and applied equally to all parties.
Ayofe-Aminu emphasized that the Osun APC’s claims were driven by panic over Governor Adeleke’s “people-oriented governance,” which has reportedly earned him widespread grassroots support. He highlighted that roads are being constructed, workers are being paid, and communities are benefitting from government initiatives.
“The Osun State Signage and Advertisement Agency operates within the law. There is no directive to target any political party,” Ayofe-Aminu said, adding that the APC should focus on rebuilding credibility rather than discrediting lawful institutions.
Background of political tensions
The spat between the Osun APC and Governor Adeleke’s administration has included past accusations over mismanagement of state resources. In November, the opposition alleged that the state government had received over ₦850 billion in allocations since November 2022, yet students at state universities still faced high tuition and accommodation fees.
Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, dismissed these claims as “fake news” and propaganda designed to undermine a performing administration. Rasheed defended the government’s record, citing achievements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, sports, and social welfare.
As Osun State prepares for next year’s governorship election, the tensions between the ruling PDP-led government and the APC opposition appear set to intensify.
