Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed confidence that he will defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the August 8, 2026 governorship election, insisting that his administration’s performance has earned him the trust and support of the people.
The governor was reacting to remarks attributed to former governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, during the APC governorship primary held on Saturday. Adeleke described the opposition’s optimism as misplaced, arguing that the APC remains unpopular in Osun State.
“I will defeat Oyebamiji by the will of God and the people,” Adeleke said, referring to the APC’s governorship candidate. He maintained that the ruling party enjoys widespread support across the state ahead of the election.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor accused the previous APC-led administration of running what he described as an anti-people government between 2018 and 2022. He said the period was marked by hardship and neglect, which Osun residents are unwilling to revisit.
According to Adeleke, his administration inherited a state facing serious economic and social challenges in 2022, including half salaries, heavy debt burdens and weak service delivery.
The governor also criticised the opposition for what he described as anti-democratic tendencies, arguing that a party confident of popular support should focus on persuading voters rather than attempting to undermine the electoral process.
He further stated that Osun residents were satisfied with his administration’s people-oriented policies, pointing to improvements in workers’ welfare, infrastructure, healthcare, education and inclusive governance. Adeleke added that the state has received several recognitions, including an award for primary healthcare leadership in the South-West.
Reaffirming his commitment to continued service delivery, the governor urged residents to ignore political propaganda, stressing that his government remains focused on people-centred development as the 2026 election approaches.
The Osun governorship election is scheduled to hold on August 8, 2026
