Osun gov’ship: Campaign hots up as APC, Accord draw battle line

With barely two weeks to voting, the battle for the Osun State governorship election has entered a critical phase as political parties and their candidates have intensified campaigns and the battle for the state’s apex office.

Although 14 political parties are on the ballot, political analysts say the campaign dynamics, political intrigues and strength of the major contenders have effectively narrowed the race to the All Progressives Congress (APC), which is seeking to reclaim Osun, and the Accord, which is banking on Governor Ademola Adeleke’s incumbency, popularity and record in office.

BusinessDay reports that the campaign has become increasingly heated, with the APC and Accord exchanging allegations over violence, abuse of state institutions and attempts to influence the electoral process.

The Accord is campaigning on its achievements in infrastructure, workers’ welfare, pension payments, healthcare, education and grassroots development, while the APC argues that the Adeleke administration has failed to attract sufficient investment, create jobs and expand the state’s internally generated revenue.

Jackson Lekan Ojo, a political analyst and Osun indigene, said the election remains largely a straight contest between the APC and the Accord despite the presence of other parties. He said the APC enters the race with formidable political structures built by former governors, serving federal appointees, lawmakers and party leaders, alongside the advantage of being the ruling party at the centre.

He, however, argued that Adeleke’s personal popularity and political dynasty have kept the Accord competitive despite its relatively limited party structure in the state. Ojo also contended that Adeleke weakened his electoral prospects by publicly endorsing President Bola Tinubu for a second term while simultaneously campaigning against the APC in Osun.

“You cannot campaign against a party at the state level and at the same time endorse its national leader. That contradiction has confused many of his supporters and could cost him a significant portion of his political base,” he said. He further said that rising political violence, intimidation and attacks on supporters could shape voter participation if not effectively checked by security agencies.

Meanwhile, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, an APC chieftain, has urged Samuel Etaifo, the Commissioner of Police deployed for the election, to remain neutral and ensure a peaceful, credible and violence-free poll.

Oyintiloye said security agencies must protect voters before, during and after the election, warning that the credibility of the exercise depends largely on their professionalism and impartiality.

Nentawe Yilwatda, APC National Chairman, has described the election as a “dress rehearsal” for the 2027 general elections while inaugurating the party’s 292-member National Campaign Council chaired by Hope Uzodimma, Imo State governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum (PGF).

“We will go house-to-house and person-to-person. Nothing will stop us from taking over the Government House in Osun,” Yilwatda declared.

For his part, Adeleke has accused the APC of sponsoring political violence and alleged that the police had been compromised. Speaking during a campaign rally in Osogbo, he warned that Osun voters would resist any attempt to manipulate the election.

“We have endorsed President Tinubu. What more do they want from us? Osun will not accept any rigging. We will vote and defend our votes,” the governor said.

Backing the governor, Wale Egbedun, Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, expressed confidence that Adeleke would secure a second term based on what he described as his administration’s performance.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured political parties and voters that the August 15 governorship election will be free, fair and credible, urging all stakeholders to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process.