CurrentReport Blog The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that the recent victory of Senator Monday Okpebholo in the Edo State gubernatorial election is causing significant anxiety within the camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State.
In a statement released on Thursday by Kola Olabisi, the Osun APC Director of Media and Information, the party celebrated the outcome of last Saturday’s Edo State governorship election. Okpebholo, the APC candidate, emerged victorious with 291,664 votes, defeating Asue Ighodalo of the PDP, who received 247,274 votes, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP), who finished a distant third with 22,763 votes.
The Osun APC believes the result has put pressure on Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, asserting that there is no political misdeed committed by the outgoing Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, that Governor Adeleke is not also guilty of. The party accused Adeleke of turning into a “democratic dictator” after his victory at the Supreme Court in 2023, alleging that he has since been issuing orders targeting his political opponents within his party and the APC.
Highlighting several controversial decisions made by Adeleke, the Osun APC cited the governor’s executive orders, which included the dismissal of thousands of teachers, OYES Cadets, and health workers employed by his predecessor. According to the APC, this has led to a severe shortage of manpower in crucial sectors of the state.
The party further accused Governor Adeleke of disrespecting the traditional institution in the state by unjustly removing three traditional rulers—the Owa of Igbajoland, Oba Gboyega Famodun III, the Aree of Iree, and the Akinrun of Ikirun—who were lawfully appointed and widely respected by their communities. The APC stated that this action has irreparably damaged his administration’s relationship with the traditional rulers, describing it as an “injury to all.”
The statement also criticized Governor Adeleke’s governance, accusing him of lacking transparency, probity, and accountability. The party questioned the governor’s decision to construct five flyovers, arguing that it was a misplaced priority considering the economic struggles of the citizens. Additionally, the APC highlighted allegations of financial mismanagement, including N684 million drawn for security services between January and June 2024, and discrepancies in the purchase of tractors and primary healthcare centers.
The party concluded by warning that the issues of governance and alleged misappropriation under Governor Adeleke’s administration will not be forgotten, and that a day of reckoning is approaching.
This bold statement from the Osun APC reflects the increasing political tension in the state and the potential impact of the Edo State election results on future political dynamics in Osun. As both parties continue to spar, all eyes will be on the next moves from the PDP and Governor Adeleke in response to these allegations and the shifting political landscape.
