The political landscape in Osun State is heating up ahead of the 2026 governorship election, as the New Nigeria Peoples Party and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party clashed on Monday over calls by the opposition party for the removal of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The NNPP, through a statement signed by its Osun State Chairman, Dr Tosin Odeyemi, criticised Adeleke’s administration, describing it as lacking direction and more concerned with personal interests than the development of the state.
“Osun deserves better than the present governor. We need a leader with vast knowledge about governance who can rise above political sentiments and truly serve the people,” Odeyemi said.
He further called on opposition parties to unite and present a formidable candidate for the 2026 gubernatorial race, warning that failure to do so could endanger the state’s progress. The statement by the NNPP appears to be an early move to galvanise opposition forces ahead of the next election cycle.
However, the Osun State chapter of the PDP quickly fired back, dismissing Odeyemi’s remarks as politically motivated and baseless. In a strongly worded response, the party defended Governor Adeleke’s record in office and accused Odeyemi of lacking the experience to provide a fair assessment of governance in the state.
The PDP, in a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Oladele Bamiji, highlighted several key achievements of the Adeleke administration that, according to the party, directly contradict the NNPP’s claims.
Bamiji noted that under Adeleke’s leadership, the state had successfully completed more than 200 kilometres of road projects, including the construction of Osun State’s first-ever flyover located in Ilé-Ifè. He also pointed to the governor’s efforts in easing traffic congestion in Osogbo through the construction of a dual carriageway and two additional flyovers.
Furthermore, the PDP cited Adeleke’s interventions in the welfare sector, including the clearance of backlog salary arrears running into billions of naira, the launch of a free health insurance scheme for pensioners and persons living with disabilities, and the rehabilitation and re-equipment of over 200 primary health centres across the state.
“If Odeyemi cannot acknowledge these strides, it is clear he is blinded by political bitterness,” the statement read.
The PDP reaffirmed that Governor Adeleke remains focused on delivering tangible development projects and public services, and would not be distracted by opposition criticism. The party expressed confidence that Osun residents continue to support Adeleke’s leadership and development agenda.
