Adeleke
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has dismissed Governor Ademola Adeleke’s allegations of political victimisation against President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, describing them as misplaced, frivolous and an attempt to justify an impending electoral defeat.
The party stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, in reaction to comments made by Adeleke during a campaign rally in Osogbo ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The APC accused the governor, who is seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party, of blaming President Tinubu and Oyetola for his political challenges instead of preparing for the election.
According to the party, Adeleke’s allegation of political persecution despite endorsing President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election was unnecessary and could not justify his claims against the President and the former governor.
The party also faulted Adeleke’s allegation that the police had compromised against his administration, insisting that he remained the constitutional Chief Security Officer of the state.
The APC described the governor’s allegations of political victimisation as unsubstantiated, maintaining that they were being used to explain what it called his imminent defeat in the forthcoming governorship election.
The party alleged that Adeleke had failed to explain why wanted political hoodlums allegedly found refuge within government circles and why some of them were appointed into political offices.
It further questioned the rationale behind what it described as the granting of amnesty to some political thugs serving jail terms in correctional centres in the state ahead of the governorship election.
The APC maintained that Governor Adeleke was uncomfortable with political competition and had continued to raise allegations of persecution without providing evidence to support his claims.
The party reminded the governor that his endorsement of President Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election was voluntary and should not distract him from participating in what it described as a free, fair, credible and inclusive governorship election.
It also argued that if Adeleke had performed well in office as claimed, the August 15 governorship poll would provide the opportunity for the electorate to assess his administration.
The APC further rejected Adeleke’s claim that Oyetola should be held responsible for the withholding of state funds, describing the allegation as lacking clarity and substance.
The party insisted that Adeleke’s recent comments were driven by fears of losing the election, adding that attempts to whip up public sentiment would not change the outcome of the poll.
The APC expressed confidence that its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, would emerge victorious in the August 15 election, attributing its optimism to what it described as the candidate’s hard work and widespread acceptance.