Tensions are rising ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election as the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign leadership intensifies its confidence in an overwhelming victory, while also casting doubt on the eligibility of incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The Director-General of the APC Campaign for the Osun governorship election, Hon. Oluwole Oke, claimed that Adeleke may not appear on the ballot due to an ongoing leadership dispute within the Accord Party currently being reviewed in court.
Speaking with journalists after a political engagement in Osun State, Oke—who also represents the Obokun/Ori-Ade Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives—predicted a sweeping APC victory across 26 of the state’s 30 local government areas.
He further argued that opposition parties, including the Accord Party and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), would struggle to secure meaningful support, estimating they may collectively win only a handful of local councils.
Oke maintained that the APC candidate, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, remains the strongest contender in the race, describing him as better positioned in terms of experience and political structure.
He also suggested that Adeleke’s political future could be affected by internal party disputes, claiming uncertainty over who will eventually emerge as the rightful candidate of the Accord Party.
“Let me even say this, Adeleke might not be on the ballot because of the crisis within themselves,” he said, referring to ongoing litigation involving rival factions within the party.
The remarks were made during a meeting of the Ajisope Political Movement with members of the Fulani community, where discussions reportedly centred on mobilising grassroots support for the APC ahead of both the 2026 and 2027 elections.
The group’s coordinator, Chief Kabir Adeoye, claimed that political realignments are already underway, citing alleged defections from the Accord Party to the APC in parts of Osun State.
He added that the movement is intensifying mobilisation efforts in support of President Bola Tinubu and the APC governorship candidate as election preparations gather pace.
Meanwhile, a Fulani youth leader, Ahmod Abubakar, expressed support for the APC candidate, stating that the community is prepared to deliver significant votes in the coming elections.
The political landscape in Osun continues to shift as parties position themselves for what is expected to be a highly competitive and closely watched governorship contest.
