Adeleke dismisses threat as APC vows to reclaim Osun

The political battle for Osun State has intensified with the All Progressives Congress (APC) inaugurating a 276-member National Campaign Council, declaring the upcoming governorship election a "must-win" contest. The party views this election as a critical test of its readiness for the 2027 general elections.

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No political party can boast of the number of governors, National Assembly members, local government chairmen, councillors, former governors and former National Assembly members that we have. We have them in abundance.

APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda stated the party will mobilize its extensive nationwide political structures, elected officials, and grassroots network to secure victory for its candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and reclaim the state from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Yilwatda emphasized the APC's formidable position in Nigeria, citing its abundance of governors, National Assembly members, and local government officials as evidence of its capacity to win elections at all levels. He described the Osun election as a "litmus test" and a "practice ground" for the party's machinery ahead of 2027.

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This is our litmus test. It will measure our level of preparedness for 2027. It will be our practice ground and our rehearsal for the political machine we are preparing for the general election. That is why winning the Osun election is a must for the APC.

In response, Governor Ademola Adeleke's Imole Campaign Council dismissed the APC's mobilization efforts as a sign of desperation. They expressed confidence that the governor's performance in office would guarantee him a second term. The APC plans to conduct intensive person-to-person and house-to-house campaigns across Osun State, engaging with all residents regardless of their background. The campaign council's composition reportedly reflects the diversity of Osun State, with significant emphasis on inclusivity.

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We will do person-to-person campaigns. We will go house to house. There is no tribe, no language and no resident in Osun, whether indigene or non-indigene, who does not have an APC member that can knock on the door and persuade that person to support us.