Osun 2026: Adeleke and Oyetola exchange fire over election credibility

The battle for Osun State has turned personal. Governor Ademola Adeleke and former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola are now trading accusations over the August 15 governorship election, and the language is getting hot. Oyetola told APC supporters on Saturday that Adeleke should prepare to lose, and he did not mince words.

Speaking in Yoruba, Oyetola said, "They realised that they are already losing out. Then they claimed to have endorsed us. He almost cried. Endorsement cannot retain this seat for you. We are taking it over." He added, "If you like, make 10 endorsements, we will collect this one from you." That is a direct challenge, and Adeleke has responded in kind.

Through his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke accused Oyetola of threatening the election's integrity, saying, "A serving minister of the Republic had made an open threat against a free and fair election. The minister has personally confirmed all previous reports that Osun APC has lost the electoral confidence of the people and is therefore focused only on rigging next Saturday." Adeleke insists he will win by the grace of God and the people's choice. With five days to the poll, can Osun avoid the violence and manipulation that have marred past elections, or are we heading for another crisis?