Osun APC persecution claims rejected as the party dismisses Adeleke’s allegations of political intimidation ahead of the 2026 governorship election
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has rejected Governor Ademola Adeleke’s allegations of political persecution against members of his party ahead of the August 15 governorship election, describing the claims as unfounded.
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The Osun APC response followed Adeleke’s call for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in what he described as rising insecurity and intimidation targeting his supporters ahead of the poll.
Speaking during a campaign rally in Osogbo on Monday, Adeleke alleged that several members of his political camp had been killed, injured or detained, accusing some security personnel of supporting political opponents.
The governor claimed that “seven Accord members have been killed in the past three months,” while more than 20 others sustained gunshot injuries and over 60 party members remained in police custody.
Adeleke appealed to Tinubu to ensure that the election was conducted in a peaceful, free and credible manner, warning against actions that could undermine the democratic process.
“My people are being killed every day. We will not accept any rigging. We will go out en masse and defend our votes,” Adeleke said.
The governor also called on the President to caution the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and Senator Francis Fadahunsi over alleged attacks on his supporters.
However, in a statement issued on Tuesday, the Osun APC rejected the accusations, describing the Osun APC persecution claims as “misplaced” and “frivolous”.
The party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, accused Adeleke of attempting to shift attention from what it described as his political challenges by blaming Tinubu and Oyetola.
“Your allegations of political victimisation against Tinubu and Oyetola are misplaced and frivolous,” the party stated.
The APC argued that the governor had not provided evidence to support his allegations and accused his administration of failing to address concerns surrounding political violence.
The party maintained that the electorate would decide the outcome of the governorship election based on performance and urged that the poll be conducted in a free, fair and inclusive atmosphere.
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The dispute adds to growing political tension in Osun State as parties intensify campaigns ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with security and electoral credibility becoming key issues in the contest.
