Osun 2026 Election tensions rise as APC and Governor Adeleke’s campaign council trade accusations over security, violence and political intimidation.
Political tensions surrounding the Osun 2026 Election escalated on Tuesday as Governor Ademola Adeleke’s Imole Campaign Council and the All Progressives Congress (APC) exchanged fresh accusations over security and political violence.
The latest dispute began after Governor Adeleke addressed supporters during the Accord governorship campaign rally in Olorunda Local Government Area. During the event, he appealed to President Bola Tinubu to intervene over what he described as increasing political tension ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
Reacting to the governor’s remarks, the Imole Campaign Council insisted that Adeleke did not insult or attack President Tinubu. The council explained that the governor simply appealed to the President to help guarantee a peaceful and credible Osun 2026 Election.
The Director-General of the Imole Campaign Council, Senator Lere Oyewumi, said the governor urged President Tinubu to address alleged political intimidation in the state. He also claimed Adeleke asked the President to caution the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, to prevent a repeat of past political violence.
According to Oyewumi, several members of the campaign organisation have suffered attacks in recent months. He alleged that seven members lost their lives, more than 20 sustained gunshot injuries, and over 60 supporters remain in police custody.
The Imole Campaign Council further claimed that repeated attacks targeted its members. It urged security agencies to remain impartial and enforce the law fairly throughout the Osun 2026 Election period.
However, the APC Governorship Campaign Council rejected the allegations. The opposition party described Adeleke’s claims against President Tinubu as false and unsupported by evidence.
In a statement signed by its Director-General, Wole Oke, the APC accused Governor Adeleke of politicising security concerns ahead of the Osun 2026 Election. The party argued that the governor was attempting to influence public opinion before voters head to the polls.
The APC also dismissed claims that the Federal Government withheld allocations meant for Osun’s 30 local government councils. According to the party, the legally recognised local government administration has continued to receive statutory allocations without interruption.
In addition, the APC accused Governor Adeleke of portraying President Tinubu as hostile to Osun residents. The party insisted that the President remains committed to constitutional governance and democratic principles.
The opposition further alleged that more than 30 APC members and supporters have been killed since 2022. It claimed that many of the attacks involved political thugs allegedly linked to the ruling Accord administration.
The APC concluded by urging Governor Adeleke to focus on his administration instead of making allegations. It also advised him to accept the outcome of the Osun 2026 Election peacefully if voters choose a different direction.
As campaigning intensifies, the Osun 2026 Election continues to generate heated political exchanges. Security, violence, and public confidence are expected to remain central issues as political parties compete for the support of voters ahead of election day.
