APC attacks Adeleke over Tinubu remarks ahead of Osun election

Nigeria's All Progressives Congress has mounted a sustained attack on Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, dismissing his recent campaign allegations that President Bola Tinubu is complicit in potential election rigging. The party's national and state leadership have characterized the governor's statements as signs of political weakness rather than legitimate concerns.

At campaign rallies across Osogbo, Adeleke called on the President to ensure free and fair elections on August 15, warning that his Accord Party would reject any rigged outcome. The governor also alleged that opposition forces are orchestrating violence in the state and appealed for Tinubu's intervention.

He additionally referenced the risk of 1983-style political upheaval should the election be compromised. APC National Secretary Ajibola Bashiru responded by urging Adeleke to concentrate on defending his governance record rather than attributing his political difficulties to the President or party leaders.

The Osun APC campaign council, led by Wole Oke, labeled the governor's remarks as inflammatory, reckless, and seditious, characterizing them as the statements of someone facing electoral defeat. The party also accused Adeleke of fostering political violence and demanded accountability regarding state finances.

Adeleke's reelection campaign, operating under the banner of the Imole Campaign Council, disputed the APC's interpretation of the governor's words, asserting they had been misrepresented. The council maintained that Adeleke's core message centres on calls for transparent, undisputed elections.

The exchange reflects deepening tensions in Osun politics as the governorship election date approaches, with both sides accusing the other of misconduct and dishonesty ahead of the August 15 vote.