The political climate in Osun State intensified on Thursday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) engaged in a war of words over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s screening ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
Governor Adeleke was screened at the PDP National Secretariat, Legacy House, Abuja, alongside other aspirants of the party. The closed-door exercise was attended by top party officials, including the South West Vice Chairman, Kamarudeen Ajisafe; Osun State PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi; Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye; and Commissioners Dr. B.T. Salami and Rev. Bunmi Jenyo.
After the screening, Adeleke expressed confidence in his chances for re-election, stating that his administration’s performance had earned it widespread support across the state.
“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.
“We have the full backing of the people. Election is about voters and we know our people love us.”
Adeleke added that his administration’s achievements had gained national recognition and expressed confidence that the 2026 poll would reflect the will of the people.
However, the Osun State chapter of the APC dismissed the governor’s remarks, describing the PDP screening as a “face-saving stunt” following what it claimed was Adeleke’s failed attempt to defect to the opposition party.
In a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC accused the governor of running what it termed a “shallow and mediocre administration,” alleging that over ₦60 billion had been spent on the Governor’s Office in 35 months “without recruiting a single teacher.”
The party further claimed that Adeleke’s administration underfunded the education sector, leading to fee hikes in tertiary institutions and failed recruitment exercises that caused financial losses to applicants.
“No fewer than 32,000 citizens were duped of their hard-earned money under the guise of teacher recruitment,” the statement alleged.
The APC argued that Adeleke’s re-election bid was already doomed and accused him of making “fruitless efforts” to join the APC despite repeated denials from his camp.
“Today’s kangaroo screening is a mere smokescreen to save Adeleke from the embarrassment his rejection by the APC generated,” the APC claimed.
“The people of Osun have already screened him out based on his record in office.”
The party added that it had strong governorship aspirants capable of defeating the incumbent in 2026 and vowed to reclaim the state.
Meanwhile, the PDP has dismissed the APC’s claims as baseless and politically motivated, insisting that Governor Adeleke remains firmly positioned for a second term.
