APC planning to disrupt Osun poll — Adeleke

From the desk of The Punch, Nigeria.

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Having seen clearly that Osun people have rejected them, they (elements in Osun APC) are now resorting to anti-democratic means in a last-ditch effort to secure power.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has thrown a political bombshell, accusing the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State of plotting to disrupt the upcoming August 15 governorship election. This accusation, coming directly from the governor's office, paints a picture of deep political animosity and mistrust ahead of the polls. Adeleke's camp claims to have internal polling data showing his overwhelming popularity, suggesting the APC's alleged fears of imminent defeat are driving these supposed disruptive plans.

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This clearly shows that Governor Adeleke enjoys overwhelming support from the people. The opposition can already see the outcome ahead of August 15.

The governor's spokesperson detailed these allegations, pointing to alleged APC-commissioned surveys that supposedly place the party's popularity below 30%, while Adeleke's approval rating hovers between 68% and 72%. This narrative positions Adeleke as the people's choice, with the opposition desperately resorting to 'anti-democratic means' to cling to power. The statement also alluded to alleged attempts by the opposition to destabilize political platforms like the Accord party, further fueling the narrative of a desperate opposition.

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This is simple arithmetic. Those who are somebody in their camp have all left. Look at Wole Oke, Fadahunsi, Ajilesoro, Dotun Babayemi, Akin Ogunbiyi and many others.

However, the Osun APC has swiftly refuted these claims, with spokesperson Kola Olabisi dismissing them as the governor's own pre-emptive admission of impending defeat. Olabisi's counter-narrative suggests Adeleke's party is the one lacking substance, with key figures having defected. This exchange highlights the intense political maneuvering and mudslinging characteristic of Nigerian elections, where accusations of electoral malpractice and desperation are common tactics employed by all sides to sway public opinion and potentially influence the electoral outcome.

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So, what is left of their party? Apart from the fact that their party is unpopular, it is also spineless. The people of Osun should discountenance Adeleke because he doesn’t know what he is saying.