Bamidele Salam, a member of Nigeria’s House of Representatives and Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, has warned that any attempt to manipulate the upcoming governorship election in Osun State will be strongly resisted by voters and opposition supporters.
In an interview with TheCable, Salam expressed confidence that Governor Ademola Adeleke would secure re-election under the Accord Party, insisting the party inherited the grassroots structure of the PDP in the state.
He dismissed fears over “federal might,” saying Osun voters are politically aware and prepared to defend their votes during the off-cycle election.
Salam also accused members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) of illegally controlling local government councils and allegedly diverting council funds, claims he said are already before the court.
Speaking on national politics, the lawmaker said Nigeria’s opposition parties must become more united and organised if they hope to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC in 2027. However, he noted that Governor Adeleke has already endorsed Tinubu for a second term.
On corruption and accountability, Salam revealed that the Public Accounts Committee has recovered about ₦200 billion from oil and gas companies and is currently probing agencies including the Central Bank of Nigeria and NNPC Limited over audit issues and alleged non-remittance of funds.
