Adeleke Accuses Oyetola of Threatening Osun Governorship Election

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has accused the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, of making comments that could undermine the credibility of the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15.

Adeleke made the claim in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, following Oyetola’s comments about the governor’s decision to back President Bola Tinubu for a second term in 2027.

Oyetola, a former Osun State governor who lost his re-election bid to Adeleke in 2022, had criticised the governor’s endorsement of Tinubu and suggested that the APC would reclaim the governorship seat.

Speaking in Yoruba, Oyetola said Adeleke’s endorsement would not prevent the APC from taking back control of the state.

Adeleke described the remark as an “open threat,” alleging that it suggested plans made by the APC to interfere with the conduct of the forthcoming election.

Adeleke also linked Oyetola’s comments to his earlier allegations that members and leaders of the Accord Party had faced intimidation ahead of the election.

Adeleke said the minister’s comments could hurt the Tinubu administration’s image and reduce the APC’s support in Osun State.

Adeleke said his endorsement of President Tinubu for another term in 2027 reflected his confidence in his political standing and his ability to deliver votes from Osun to the President.

He also accused Oyetola of undermining democracy and alleged that the APC was trying to regain power without relying on the voters’ support.

The governor maintained that the people of Osun would reject any attempt to manipulate the electoral process, insisting that his administration would rely on voters to secure another term.

Oyetola, however, has maintained that the APC is positioned to reclaim the governorship seat, with the party fielding Bola Oyebamiji as its candidate.

The exchange has increased political tension ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with both sides trading accusations as they campaign for support.

Adeleke said he remained confident of victory, while calling for a free, fair and credible election that reflects the choice of Osun voters.