Osun 2026: Adeleke’s Rising Popularity Confusing APC — Oyedotun

An aspirant for Osun East Senatorial District under the platform of Accord Party, Hon. Samuel Oyedotun, has stated that the enduring popularity of Osun Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, among the people of the state remains a puzzle to the All Progressives Congress.

Oyedotun, a United States-trained mortgage stockbroker and immediate past Chairman of the Osun State Water Corporation Board, said despite the APC’s sustained criticism of the Adeleke administration, the governor continues to enjoy strong grassroots support across the state.

“Even within All Progressives Congress circles, many cannot explain why Adeleke’s acceptance has not waned. It is still a mystery to them because the people’s governor keeps getting popular every day,” he said.

Oyedotun noted that the APC in 2022, underrated the governor and thought he had nothing to offer the people of Osun, adding that Adeleke has performed better than the previous administrations, a development he said has endeared him to the residents.

According to him, the governor’s appeal cuts across party lines and resonates with residents who were connected to his approach and style of governance.

“In 2022, they underated the governor and after he defeated the incumbent, they claimed he has nothing to offer Osun people but to their surprise, he has not only done really well but surpassed whatever the APC can claim as achievement while in office,” Oyedotun stated.

He noted that the situation has left the APC struggling to build a cohesive opposition strategy ahead of the August 15 election in the state.

According to Oyedotun, “Nearly all major towns and rural communities across the state have one project or the other being executed by the Governor Ademola Adeleke administration. That has helped to reduce poverty and improve the well-being of residents.

“The investment in infrastructure by the governor has won him the support of Osun people and that will make his re-election easier. When I came to Osun about five years ago, all I saw was poverty. The roads were bad. But today, we have better roads than before. Go to any city in Osun, there are major projects ongoing there.

“Despite the victimisation and all tricks to frustrate his administration including the illegal takeover of council funds, Adeleke keeps performing well and the Osun masses believed in his leadership and are ready to support him with their vote, come August 15.

“The governor has cultivated an image that the people identify with. That perception is difficult for the APC leaders and members to counter, hence, their resort to propaganda,” he added.

On his own ambition, Oyedotun expressed confidence in clinching the Accord Party ticket for Osun East, adding that he would follow Governor Adeleke’s path in prioritising the welfare of the people if elected.