Adeleke shrugs off APC distractions, launches re-election bid

 

Ademola Adeleke, the governor of Osun state’s re-election campaign council has dismissed what it described as attempts by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State to derail the governor’s second-term bid, insisting that he remains focused on securing another mandate from voters ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

Pelumi Olajengbesi, spokesperson for Adeleke’s re-election campaign council, said on Tuesday that efforts by the opposition to distract the governor through what he termed “political theatrics” and “manufactured controversies” had failed to gain traction among the electorate.

Speaking in a statement issued shortly after the formal launch of Adeleke’s re-election campaign, Olajengbesi maintained that the governor was undeterred by political attacks and remained committed to presenting his administration’s achievements to the people of Osun State.

According to him, all attempts by the Osun APC to frustrate, undermine or prevent the successful flag-off of the governor’s campaign had been unsuccessful.

He argued that the growing wave of defections from the APC to the Accord Party, under which Adeleke is contesting the election, reflected changing political realities in the state and underscored the governor’s popularity among residents.

“The depletion of the Osun APC, following the defection of men and women of quality, influence and political sagacity to the Accord Party, has once again confirmed what is already obvious across Osun State,” Olajengbesi said.

He added that Adeleke remained the preferred candidate of a majority of Osun voters and that political manoeuvres by the opposition would not alter public sentiment ahead of the election.

The campaign spokesman accused the APC of focusing on controversies rather than policy alternatives, claiming that the opposition had struggled to offer a compelling vision capable of challenging the governor’s record in office.

“As Governor Ademola Adeleke kicks off his re-election campaign, the Osun APC appears restless and disoriented. Lacking credible ideas, programme or a superior record, the opposition has spent weeks chasing controversies in a desperate bid for relevance,” he stated.

Olajengbesi further claimed that the APC was concerned about the governor’s growing support base and the perceived performance of his administration across key sectors.

He cited achievements in healthcare, education, infrastructure development, workers’ welfare and economic management as factors that had earned Adeleke public trust and confidence.

Emphasising that the election would ultimately be decided by voters, he said political propaganda, intimidation and distractions would not determine the outcome of the poll.

“The forthcoming election belongs to the people, and it is their votes that will determine the future of the state, not propaganda, intimidation, manufactured controversies or political distractions,” Olajengbesi said.