Osun 2026 election tension grows as APC and Adeleke campaign councils exchange accusations over security and political violence claims
Political tension has intensified ahead of the Osun State governorship election as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the campaign council supporting Governor Ademola Adeleke trade accusations over security concerns and allegations of political violence.
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The Osun 2026 election tension escalated on Tuesday after Governor Adeleke appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene in what he described as increasing political pressure and insecurity ahead of the August 15 governorship poll.
Adeleke made the remarks during an Accord governorship campaign rally in Olorunda Local Government Area, where he urged the President to help ensure a peaceful and credible election process.
Responding to the comments, the Imole Campaign Council, through its Director-General, Senator Lere Oyewumi, said the governor’s appeal was not an attack on President Tinubu but a call for federal intervention to protect residents and maintain peace.
“Governor Adeleke only called the attention of President Tinubu to the ongoing repression and intimidation of Osun residents and urged the President to call the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, to order to stop a recurrence of political violence witnessed in the past,” Oyewumi said.
The campaign council alleged that several supporters had suffered attacks linked to political activities, claiming that seven party members had been killed, more than 20 injured by gunshots and over 60 supporters detained by the police.
The council called on security agencies to ensure fairness and impartial enforcement of the law throughout the election period.
However, the APC Governorship Campaign Council dismissed Adeleke’s claims, describing them as misleading and unsupported by evidence.
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Wole Oke, the APC accused the governor of attempting to turn security issues into political arguments ahead of the election.
The party also rejected claims that the Federal Government had withheld statutory allocations meant for Osun’s 30 local government areas, stating that recognised local government administrations continued to receive their allocations.
The APC campaign council accused Adeleke of attempting to create the impression that President Tinubu was against the interests of Osun residents, insisting that the President remained committed to constitutional governance.
The party also alleged that more than 30 of its members and supporters had been killed since 2022, attributing the incidents to individuals it described as political thugs linked to the state government.
“Rather than distracting the public from discussing his administration, Governor Adeleke should prepare to accept the verdict of the electorate with maturity and dignity,” the APC statement said.
The competing claims have added to concerns surrounding the conduct of the Osun governorship election, with both political camps calling attention to security and the need for a peaceful electoral process.
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As campaigning continues, stakeholders are expected to maintain focus on issues, voter confidence and ensuring that the election reflects the will of Osun residents.
