APC to Adeleke: Stop accusing Tinubu, embrace issue-based campaign

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to stop accusing President Bola Tinubu and APC leaders of plotting to rig the August 15 governorship election and instead focus on an issue-based campaign.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, the APC National Secretary, dismissed Adeleke’s allegations of political violence and electoral manipulation as “fear of imminent defeat.”

During a campaign rally in Osogbo, Adeleke reportedly likened the current political tension in Osun to the violence that trailed the disputed 1983 elections in the South-West, warning against any attempt to manipulate the August 15 governorship poll.

“President Tinubu, I’m passing this message to you. Osun will not accept any rigging. We will go out enmass and vote and defend our vote.

“Don’t let what happened in 1983 repeat in Osun. Accord party has endorsed you as our presidential candidate, why are we suffering? Oyetola needs to be called to order,” Adeleke said.

But reacting, Bashiru said, “How can a sitting governor be crying over rigging in an election that is still 11 days away, when in politics even 24 hours is enough to change the dynamics?”

Bashiru challenged the governor to defend his record in office rather than “casting aspersions” on Tinubu and APC leaders, arguing that voters should judge him on governance.

He claimed Osun’s infrastructure and social services had deteriorated under Adeleke’s administration, citing dilapidated roads and a shortage of about 30,000 teachers in public schools.

“Merely endorsing President Tinubu for re-election is not a guarantee of securing a second term as governor. He must face the electorate based on his performance,” Bashiru said.

The APC scribe also maintained that the growing support for the party and its governorship candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), had unsettled the governor.