
The ongoing political tension in Osun State, marked by clashes between the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), appears to be a prelude to the 2026 governorship election, writes Bola Bamigbola. The saying, “Morning shows the day,” suggests that the beginning of an event often foreshadows its outcome. In Osun, the intensifying political rivalry between the APC and PDP seems to be a rehearsal for the upcoming gubernatorial contest. Apart from the frequent exchange of heated press statements between APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi and PDP’s media lead Oladele Bamiji, the state had experienced moments of relative peace. During this period, Governor Ademola Adeleke appeared to govern without significant opposition disruptions. However, tensions resurfaced following a ruling by the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, which upheld the appeal filed by local government chairmen and councillors elected during the October 15, 2022 elections. This judgment struck Osun’s political landscape like a storm, giving fresh momentum to the APC’s efforts to challenge Adeleke’s administration. Since the court ruling on February 10, 2025, Osun’s political environment has been fraught with uncertainty. The ongoing struggle between the PDP-led government and the APC intensified, culminating in violent clashes that, according to police reports, resulted in six deaths and numerous injuries. Despite the bloodshed, neither party has shown any intention of de-escalating tensions. With both sides working to consolidate power and rally influential support, Osun State appears poised for an even more bitter power struggle. The Probe A report detailing alleged financial infractions by officials of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s administration has become a focal point of interest in Osun. Governor Adeleke’s administration has vowed to involve anti-graft agencies in scrutinizing the financial management of its predecessor. Osun’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, defended the probe, stating: “The Osun State government has noted the APC’s feeble attempt to dismiss our fact-based petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Rather than addressing allegations of corruption, misappropriation, and abuse of office, the APC has resorted to propaganda and falsehoods.” Alimi clarified that the investigation began in early 2023 with a contract review committee that uncovered significant financial mismanagement, procurement violations, and corruption under Oyetola’s leadership. The findings led to the formation of a White Paper Committee, which recommended the prosecution of implicated officials. These recommendations were approved by the State Executive Council in 2024, leading to the submission of a detailed petition to the EFCC on March 7, 2025. The allegations include: The mismanagement of funds meant for renovating 320 primary healthcare centers across the state. Contracts were allegedly awarded without competitive bidding and handed to political associates with little or no experience in construction. A staggering N1.5 billion was allegedly laundered through the Osun chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) between January and October 2022. Financial records indicate that funds were funneled into a private account linked to Akeem Ibitoye, a local government finance director, followed by suspicious cash withdrawals. Alimi emphasized that Governor Adeleke’s administration is committed to accountability and will not be deterred by political pressure or blackmail. The Defense In response, the APC dismissed the allegations as a politically motivated attack aimed at silencing critics of Adeleke’s administration. The party accused the PDP-led government of launching a vindictive probe to distract from its failures, particularly regarding the local government administration crisis. APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi, addressing journalists in Abuja, stated: “Having failed in their attempt to take control of local government councils, they are now resorting to desperate tactics to tarnish the reputation of former Governor Oyetola, a man of integrity who served Osun State honorably.” The APC argued that funds allocated under the $20 million Save-One-Million Lives Programme were used appropriately and monitored by donors. They challenged the state government to publish the names of contractors and contract details to substantiate its claims. Olabisi further asserted that Oyetola’s administration adhered to procurement laws and maintained transparency by uploading 110 contract details on the government portal, compared to only seven published by the current administration. He warned that the APC would not be intimidated by what he described as a smear campaign, stating: “If Adeleke’s government believes that this witch-hunt will deter the APC from ensuring that the Court of Appeal’s judgment reinstating our chairmen and councillors is enforced, they are mistaken. Our elected officials will remain in office and deliver the dividends of democracy to Osun residents.” As the political feud continues to escalate, Osun remains a battleground for power, with both parties unwilling to yield ground in their quest for supremacy ahead of the 2026 elections.