Osun 2026: Tension as APC, PDP Clash Over Adeleke’s Screening Ahead of Governorship Election

Political tension flared in Osun State on Thursday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) traded accusations over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s screening for the 2026 governorship election.

Governor Adeleke was screened at the PDP National Secretariat, Legacy House, Abuja, alongside other aspirants ahead of the party’s primaries. The closed-door session was attended by top PDP figures, including the South West Vice Chairman, Kamarudeen Ajisafe; Osun PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi; Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye; and Commissioners Dr. B.T. Salami and Rev. Bunmi Jenyo.

After the exercise, Adeleke declared that his administration’s achievements had earned him widespread support across the state, expressing confidence in securing re-election.

“We have delivered good governance to our people in Osun. Our records and popularity are unrivalled. So we are ready for victory come 2026,” the governor said. “The will of the people will prevail in the best interest of democracy.”

However, the Osun APC dismissed the screening as a “face-saving move” following what it described as Adeleke’s failed attempt to defect to the opposition party.

In a statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC accused Adeleke of presiding over a “shallow and wasteful administration,” alleging that his government had spent over ₦60 billion on the Governor’s Office in 35 months without recruiting a single teacher.

The party further claimed that the Adeleke administration had mismanaged education funding and defrauded thousands of job seekers in a botched teacher recruitment exercise.

“The forthcoming election is for Adeleke and his rudderless party to lose,” the APC said. “The people of Osun have already screened him out based on his poor record in office.”

The PDP has repeatedly denied claims of Adeleke’s alleged defection attempts, insisting the governor remains committed to the party and its ideals.

With both major parties already exchanging blows nearly a year before the election, Osun’s political temperature appears set to rise further as the 2026 race gathers pace.