PDP Youth Ambassador Network PYAN

Osun Must Reject the APC in the 2026 Governorship Election

By Comrade Abdul-Jeleel Samakin

Osun State must deliberately and decisively deny the All Progressives Congress (APC) any return to power in the 2026 governorship election.

As far as Osun politics is concerned, nothing good has ever come from supporting or sympathizing with the APC. The people of Osun are fully aware of what they endured during APC governance; an era marked by hardship, pain, and poor leadership.

Under APC administration, lives were lost as a result of ill-conceived and insensitive policies. Citizens were denied their constitutional and social rights, while governance was carried out with arrogance, as though power belonged permanently to a few individuals. They forgot that power belongs to the people and that leaders are merely custodians of the people’s mandate.

The policies of the APC crippled Osun’s economy. The state became financially distressed, workers became demoralized, and many regretted ever serving as public servants. Jobs were lost, livelihoods destroyed, and families were pushed into economic uncertainty. Osun people were left stranded and helpless.

We must not suffer from short memory. The past must guide our present decisions. APC’s records in Osun are clear and troubling, and our people must not quickly forget the damage done to the state.

As electioneering approaches, we must consistently remind ourselves and others of this history. The people have the power to choose their leaders and equally, the power to reject leaders who govern with cruelty, selfishness, and anti-people policies.

During the APC era, critical sectors suffered immensely:

* Education was neglected
* Healthcare was weakened
* Projects were abandoned
* Students and retirees were ignored
* Civil servants and ordinary citizens bore the brunt of failed governance

These realities must weigh heavily in deciding the 2026 governorship election. Osun must not make a regrettable mistake again.

This is not merely about politics; it is about the development and future of Osun State. Development must remain the highest priority of every true son and daughter of the state.

The current administration, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, has demonstrated commendable commitment across all sectors. Developmental projects are spread across the thirty local governments of Osun State, including the Modakeke Area Council.

In the history of Osun State, never has development been this visible and widespread. No previous administration delivered on this scale. Governor Ademola Adeleke deserves commendation for his genuine passion for development, especially in road infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other critical sectors.

Osun must prove that it is politically wiser. We must not allow ourselves to be traded or deceived by politicians driven by personal interests. The 2026 governorship election is an opportunity to show the world that Osun is enlightened, liberated, politically conscious, and deliberate in choosing its leaders.

Politics goes beyond elections. What happens after the election matters even more. Our past experiences must remain fresh in our minds. That is why we must continue to educate and alert our people to choose carefully and elect a credible, capable leader who will steer the affairs of Osun State with integrity, accountability, and humility.

11/02/2026

Oyebamiji Is Not the Answer: A Continuation of Oyetola’s Failed Legacy

By Comrade Abdul-Jeleel Samakin

As the 2026 governorship election approaches, political attention in Osun State is increasingly focused on the choices before the electorate and the likely outcome of the polls. With the election officially scheduled for 8 August 2026, the people of Osun State are once again preparing to exercise their democratic right to determine who will govern the state for the next four years.

Notably, major political parties have already begun positioning their candidates ahead of the election. On the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the emergence of Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s candidate has generated significant controversy, largely due to the manner of his selection. It is evident that the process lacked broad internal consensus, as several aspirants within the party openly opposed the decision but were compelled to submit to what was presented as a final party directive.

There is little doubt that the candidacy of Bola Oyebamiji is the direct outcome of political imposition by the former Governor of Osun State and current Minister under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Adegboyega Oyetola. Bola Oyebamiji, a former Commissioner for Finance under Oyetola’s administration, was strategically positioned as the APC candidate, a move that has deepened internal discontent within the party.

Former Governor Oyetola contested against Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke in both the 2018 and 2022 governorship elections and was defeated on both occasions; despite the APC controlling the federal government at the time. These defeats were not incidental; they reflected widespread public dissatisfaction with Oyetola’s leadership and governance record.

It is also important to recall that Bola Oyebamiji served as Commissioner for Finance during the Oyetola administration. Consequently, he cannot be separated from the policies, decisions, and the failures of that government. The maladministration that characterised the Oyetola era was a collective effort of his cabinet, and Oyebamiji played a central role in that administration.

The emergence of Bola Oyebamiji as the APC candidate therefore represents not a fresh alternative, but rather a continuation of a rejected legacy, a second attempt to recycle an administration that failed to gain public confidence or deliver tangible achievements worthy of electoral endorsement.

Politically, the decision to impose Oyebamiji appears less about winning the 2026 election and more about settling scores and preserving internal party interests. Many within the APC are privately aware that this strategy weakens the party’s chances, especially against an incumbent governor whose popularity remains strong across Osun State.

Politics, after all, is about careful analysis, realistic calculations, and an honest reading of public sentiment. By imposing Bola Oyebamiji, the APC has signalled a reluctance to learn from past electoral failures. The growing internal opposition within the party further confirms that Bola Oyebamiji is not a widely accepted candidate.

The governance record of the Oyetola's administration does not provide a credible foundation upon which to campaign effectively in 2026. Presenting Bola Oyebamiji as the party’s flagbearer, under the continued shadow of Oyetola’s influence, is akin to entrusting the future of Osun State to leadership without vision or direction.

One critical question remains unanswered: Why did Adegboyega Oyetola withdraw from directly contesting the governorship race despite having the opportunity to do so? The answer is clear; he understands that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s popularity and political strength cannot be overcome by merely placing a paper candidate on the ballot.

In truth, the APC leadership appears resigned to participation rather than victory. Oyebamji’s candidacy seems destined to serve as a placeholder, while the realities of Osun politics point clearly toward continuity under Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Comrade Samakin writes from Odeomu

Three Years in Office: A True Servant-Leader Shaping the Future for Generations to Come

By Comr. Samakin Abdul-Jeleel Abiodun

Today marks three years of Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke’s stewardship; three years of purposeful, people-centered governance. Governor Adeleke has proven himself a genuine servant-leader: a visionary builder of the future, a dependable ally of civil servants and pensioners, a compassionate listener, a friend of the common people, and a bridge to a new generation of leadership.

He governs with sincerity, transparency, and unwavering integrity. Osun is indeed proud to have him at the helm. Under his trusted, responsive, and inclusive leadership, the state continues to move forward with renewed confidence.

Calling Governor Adeleke a MAN OF THE PEOPLE is not an exaggeration. In 2018, despite winning the mandate of the people, his victory was denied. Yet he did not relent. He returned in 2022, contested again, and delivered a resounding defeat to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). This historic comeback remains one of the most remarkable political moments in Osun’s democratic journey—one that reinforces why he is regarded as a liberator of the people.

He restored dignity to the voters who overwhelmingly entrusted him with their mandate and rescued Osun from the missteps and maladministration that characterized the APC era.

The truth must be told: under former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the APC, the people of Osun were taken for granted. Education indices plummeted, road infrastructure deteriorated, workers’ welfare suffered, pensioners endured bitter neglect, and the state’s economy stagnated under policies that lacked productivity and vision. These setbacks were glaring and painful, affecting nearly every household across the state.

Governor Ademola Adeleke emerged as the needed reformer—sent at the right time to correct the inertia and disconnection that plagued the previous administration. His leadership has brought relief, progress, and renewed hope to Osun.

As we celebrate three impactful years of good governance marked by visible achievements, it is evident that Governor Adeleke embodies the true choice of the people. His commitment to growth, transparency, and the well-being of all citizens reaffirms the trust reposed in him—and strengthens the argument for his continued leadership beyond 2026.

To the people of Osun: Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has been tested, and he has been trusted. His record speaks clearly. The people believe in him, they trust his leadership, and they depend on his promises; knowing he does not fail.

As we mark this milestone, the good people of Osun State celebrate you, *Imole*, for your service to humanity. We pray for more achievements in the coming years and for the continued success of this administration.

Your accountability is a cornerstone of your governance, and it is one of the reasons Osun people remain deeply connected to your leadership. With this continued commitment, the path to sustainable progress and continuity beyond 2026 remains clear.

God bless Imole Osun.

27-11-2025 02:07

NEWS RELEASE

Osun Public Finance: Posting of Budgetary Performance Demonstrates Transparency - Adeleke Spokesperson

OSOGBO - 16/08/2025 - Osunstate.gov.ng

Spokesperson to Governor Ademola Adeleke, Mallam Olawale Rashed has declared that public posting of state's budgetary performance by the state government is a demonstration of transparency and accountability in public finance, a testimony that the state leadership has nothing to hide about state finance.

Rasheed who chided opposition activists for demonstrating laziness and lack of initiatives by their fault finding with publicly quoted budgetary performance reports said “a government that announced its revenue and expenditure is showing honesty, openness and responsibility to the citizenry.

“For example, when Governor Adeleke said his expenditure on state security follows due process, the details were published in the budgetary performance as documented expenditures with categorization. That implies that all security related expenses follow due process within the confines of the state finance laws.

“When Governor Adeleke said Osun does not operate security votes in the sense that Nigerians understand it, the simple meaning is that there is no slush fund to be expended outside the purview of due process and public finance regulations. Every security related expenditure are officially accounted for.

“The size of such expenditures on annual basis is determined by inflationary rates, operational requirements of security agencies, stability or otherwise of the exchange rate, frequency or otherwise of communal confrontations, expansion or contraction of state security agency like Amotekun, new security initiatives among others. A government is however obliged to publish the spending patterns to demonstrate accountability and transparency.

“If a citizen or any opposition activist is however interested in the detailed breakdown of those published expenditure, the procedure is clear as openly stated in the federally enacted Freedom of Information Act. The A to Z of those expenditure can be accessed also within the FOI Act.

“It is however laziness, mischief or ignorance to use budgetary reports freely posted to build false narrative and misinformation campaign. A government that has something to hide will not post its expenditure profile. Such government will not sign up to the World Bank moderated open budget initiative”, the Spokesperson noted.

“In Nigeria today, Governor Adeleke holds the enviable records of a governor who manages ‘security votes’ only within the purview of state finance law and public finance regulations. No amount of misinformation from Osun APC can erase that fact”, the Spokesperson concluded.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to Governor Adeleke.

PRESS STATEMENT

Osun Government Again Calls on FG to Release Osun LG Funds

● Welcome Intervention by Traditional Rulers

OSOGBO - 10/08/2025 - Osunstate.gov.ng

The Osun state government has again renewed its call on the Federal Government to release Osun state local governments allocations in recognition and compliance with the recent Court of Appeal judgement on the state's Local Government leadership question.

The Government also welcomed and supported the intervention of Traditional rulers and other leaders of thought to secure the immediate release of the fund to stop current hardship the fund seizure is inflicting on grassroots communities across the state.

The Government in a statement from the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi affirmed that there is no legal or political basis for withholding the allocations, asserting that “ before the law today, the elected chairmen and councilors that were produced based on the local Government elections of 22nd February,2025, are the official leadership of the local governments in Osun state.

“We are aware that the Federal Government and indeed the Presidency have all the facts of the situation concerning Osun Local Governments and the reality remains that the court judgement sacking the APC Yes/No election Chairmen and Councilors remains valid and was recently validated by the 13th June judgement of the Court of Appeal. As a matter of fact, there should not be any further controversy after the appeal court judgement recognizing the elected chairmen and councillors who are products of the 22nd February, 2025, Local Government elections.

“We further submit that there is no judicial judgement halting the release of the withheld fund as the Supreme Court judgement on local government autonomy has never been implemented and Osun State alone cannot be singled out from the 36 states even if the apex judgement has come into effect.

"We clarify further that even if the Supreme Court judgment is applied to Osun state, the local government accounts for such payment must still be opened with the duly elected officials of the 22nd February, 2025 and accredited local officials as signatories in line with the law passed by the State Assembly as provided by Section 7 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). Hence, there is still no ground to withhold the state’s local government allocations.

“As a government, we are aware that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu only got to know about the funds seizure from the Nigerian Tribune front page during the Eid (Ileya) holidays which, means that the Attorney-General of the Federation instructed the Accountant General of the Federation to withhold the funds without presidential approval. We, therefore, appeal to Mr. President to intervene and order the release of Osun local government allocations.

“We further support the plan by the Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers to meet Mr. President on this matter. The local government crisis is beyond politics as it has to do with governmental levels that directly affect the lives of our people. The intervention of our apolitical monarchs is therefore a welcome development”, the statement noted.

“As a government, we learnt that those who masterminded the fund seizure were targeting Governor Ademola Adeleke but the real victims are the people of Osun state who are well at home with good governance delivery across Osun state. The attack on the state Governor has failed and we urge those behind the illegal move to abandon the anti-people path and release Osun local government funds without further delay”, the Commissioner concluded.

Signed:
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi,
Hon Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment

Baro Port Scandal: Oyetola and Oyebamiji Caught in the Web of Waste and Corruption

The recent summons issued by the House of Representatives to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority, Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, marks yet another disgraceful chapter in the public life of two men whose tenure in public service has consistently raised more questions than answers. The ongoing probe into the Baro Inland Port project exposes a disturbing case of financial recklessness, mismanagement, and alleged embezzlement of public resources under their supervision.

It is alarming that despite the colossal sums allocated to the Baro Port project, purportedly completed and handed over, there is no trace of operational activity at the site. No movement of cargo. No access by road. No sign of life. Yet, records show that billions of naira were spent on this venture, and today, the facility remains idle and wasted. The fact that both Oyetola and Oyebamiji are being compelled by federal lawmakers to provide documents ranging from contract papers to inspection reports points to a gross failure in transparency and accountability.

This unfolding scandal mirrors Oyetola’s track record as former Governor of Osun State. During his tenure, public funds were managed with opacity, infrastructure was neglected, and debts multiplied with no proportional development to justify the borrowing spree. His administration left behind numerous uncompleted projects and a bitter legacy of economic stagnation. Now in Abuja, rather than redefining governance at the federal level, he appears to be replicating the same pattern of waste and inefficiency on a national scale.

Bola Oyebamiji, on his part, has proven to be more of a silent enabler than a capable administrator. Having served under Oyetola as a finance commissioner and now heading NIWA, he bears direct responsibility for the oversight of this multi-billion-naira port. Under his leadership, the Baro Port has become a national embarrassment, one that undermines both public trust and economic strategy. Instead of delivering results, he has delivered silence and shadows, raising questions about how much he really knows and what roles he played in the disappearance of funds.

For the people of Osun State, this is not just a federal issue, it is a reflection of the kind of leadership we must never allow to return. Oyetola and Oyebamiji, despite their past failures, continue to operate in positions of national influence, and yet their presence brings nothing but baggage, scandal, and retrogression. Their involvement in this unfolding Baro Port fiasco is not an isolated misstep; it is part of a broader pattern of poor governance that has repeatedly cost the people their development and dignity.

There must be a collective reckoning. The people of Osun must come to terms with the fact that these individuals, by their actions and inactions, have further damaged the public image of the state while contributing to the national problem of abandoned projects and looted funds. Confidence in them should not only be withdrawn, it must be extinguished. They have failed to justify the trust reposed in them, and they have no moral grounds left to ask for it again. Their Legacy of Loss Billions Gone, Nothing to Show Now the Nation Calls

Decamping to APC: A Game of Self-Interest, Not Public Service

By Comrade Samakin Abdul-Jeleel Abiodun

As the build-up to the Osun 2026 governorship election begins, the political drama has already started unfolding. It is a season of political negotiations and transfer often driven by self-interest rather than genuine concern for the people. Voters must remain vigilant and discerning during this period. The recent wave of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is largely motivated by personal gain, not ideology or service.

In the current political arena of Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke maintains a clear upper hand. No aspirant within the opposition currently possesses the credibility or popularity to challenge him at the poll. It is important to ask critical questions: Why has former Governor Gboyega Oyetola chosen not to contest again? Why is he opting to support a new aspirant? Do you think someone who couldn't deliver himself in 2022 can deliver a candidate? These questions are worth deep reflection.

It’s worth recalling that in 2022, Governor Adeleke emerged victorious despite having only two House of Representatives members, one senator from Osun East, and just few members of the People Democratic Party (PDP) members at House of Assembly. Even with these limitations, he defeated an incumbent governor, a feat made possible by his overwhelming public goodwill and the people’s trust in his leadership.

Governor Adeleke's governance has been defined by inclusivity, progress, and service to the people rather than self-interest. His popularity continues to grow, and more people are now returning to the PDP. Those who defected from the party did so for personal reasons, betraying the mandate of the people. Such individuals must be scrutinized carefully; voters should be wary of entrusting them with future responsibilities.

Osun politics is increasingly predictable to those who understand it. The fact that former Governor Oyetola has chosen to stay away from the 2026 race is a strong signal that he is wary of facing Adeleke at the polls again, a reality that speaks volumes.

Furthermore, many of those defecting to the APC are doing so based on negotiations and personal benefits, effectively trading away the interests of the people they represent. This act of political desperation must be condemned. These are leaders who have benefitted immensely from the people's support, only to turn around and prioritize their ambitions.

Come 2026, the voice of the people will once again be heard at the ballot box. Governor Adeleke’s impressive performance across sectors positions him strongly for re-election, and the good people of Osun would not disappoint him.

Interestingly, those aligning with the APC today are inadvertently strengthening the PDP by helping it prepare even better for the upcoming election. The internal contradictions within the APC will soon erupt, leading to further disintegration, a political tsunami waiting to happen.

Comrade Samakin Abdul-Jeleel Abiodun
Advocate for Good Governance and Public Accountability

Osun Residents Vow to Stick to Governor Adeleke

As defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to make headlines in Osun State, many grassroots residents have expressed unwavering support for Governor Ademola Adeleke, citing his performance in road construction, healthcare, education, and community development.

Across key towns like Ila, Ife, Iwo, Ilesa, and the state capital Osogbo, the sentiment is the same: Governor Adeleke may face internal political shifts, but on the ground, his influence remains deeply rooted.

In Ila-Orangun, a respected community leader, Pa Adebayo Akinrinmade, said no amount of political realignment would shake their support for the governor.

“Adeleke may not be from Ila, but the impact of his administration is right in front of us,” he said, pointing to an ongoing road rehabilitation project near the town’s central market. “Before now, that road had become a death trap. Today, it's motorable again.”

According to him, loyalty should not be a matter of political convenience.

“Those who are jumping ship now forget that it was under this same Adeleke they gained political relevance. As for me and my family, we will always support him because he supports the people. As a matter of fact, what the people of the town are saying since on Monday he came to Ila for the flag off of dualisation of our township road, is to give him absolute support before, during and even after the 2026 Gubernatorial election.

Another resident, a trader at the palace market Square Ila, Alhaja Mojisola Abdulfatah said since the creation of Osun State, no government thought of dualizing ila township road.

She said: With this dualisation project, ila-Orangun as one of the big towns in Osun, there is nothing of such a worthy road. We have hoped that when completed it would add to the beauty of our native town.

"We are for the Governor and we will make sure we support him to rule the state beyond 2026 so that all his good projects would not be left abandoned", she physically exited trader said

Moreso in Ife, a resident of Opa, Miss Folake Ojo, described the governor’s grassroots approach as a “rare kind of leadership” that is people-focused and inclusive.

“Look around Ife – from rural electrification to renovation of primary healthcare centres, and the ongoing flyover project at Lagere, we are seeing results. Adeleke listens to the people, not just the politicians,” she noted.

She said the decamping trend is “more about ambition than conviction.”

“People are aligning where they believe their personal interests will thrive. But those of us who feel the direct impact of government interventions know better. Governor Adeleke still has our vote.”

For Mr. Olufemi Adediran, a retired school principal and vocal community advocate in Ilesa, the situation is personal.

“They spent twelve years in government, including our own son who is from this town. Yet, what Adeleke has done in just two years is more visible,” he said.

He cited the renovation of dilapidated classroom blocks in several public schools and the rehabilitation of major access roads in the town and dualisation of the road that links the palace to the Akure expressway as proof.

“I’m not one to speak against anyone, but facts are facts. Stakeholders may try to pull out of PDP, but those of us who have seen development under this government won’t be swayed.”

He added that it is unfortunate that some politicians are “biting the hand that once fed them.”

“These are people whose political careers were built and supported under the same Adeleke-led PDP. Now they’re turning against him when he’s doing the real work.”

In Osogbo, the political heartbeat of the state, two residents said that party defections will not deter their loyalty to the governor.

Mrs. Bilqis Lawal, a goat trader at "Oja Oba" area, said the governor has completed road projects that have been abandoned for years.

“That Oke-Fia Flyover was once just a talking point. What of the one ongoing at Lameco? Adeleke completed the beautification and connected other adjoining roads that have reduced traffic,” she said. “Even if he moves to another party, we will follow him. We’re not supporting party names, we’re supporting performance.”

Another resident of Osogbo, Tunde Ajeigbe, said the governor’s intervention in Osun’s ICT sector and digital empowerment programs have benefited young people in the capital.

“Adeleke is one of the first governors to prioritize tech hubs and digital skills training. I personally benefited from one of those programs. That’s the kind of leadership we need, not recycled slogans.”

He expressed concern that political distractions could hinder the momentum.

“People are decamping, but it’s not out of public dissatisfaction. It’s elite politics. Out here, Adeleke’s popularity remains intact.”

Seizing Osun Local Government Allocation after Appeal Court Verdict is an Abuse of Federal Power.

By Comrade Samakin Abdul-Jeleel Abiodun

The continued seizure of Osun State’s local government allocation by the APC led Federal Government, despite the ruling of the Court of Appeal, is not only a gross abuse of federal power, it is a dangerous assault on democracy itself.

Since February 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria has deliberately withheld funds meant for the local governments in Osun State. This calculated action, which has now entered its fifth month as of June, is widely perceived as political persecution. It reflects not just administrative injustice, but a display of cruelty towards the people of Osun who rely on local governance for essential services and grassroots development.

Local governments are the closest tier of government to the people. They provide critical services and uphold the essence of democratic governance at the grassroots level. By stifling Local Government financial lifeline, the Federal Government is not only undermining the rule of law, it is suffocating the everyday lives of ordinary citizens.

On June 13, 2025, the Court of Appeal sitting in Akure delivered a clear and binding judgment: the APC-sponsored “Yes or No” chairmen and councillors occupying local government positions in Osun were not validly elected. The court declared their presence in office illegal. Yet, shockingly, these individuals remain in power, buoyed by the perceived protection and backing of the Federal Government.

Even more alarming is the fact that, after this judgment, the Federal Government still refused to release Osun’s local government allocation. This defiance of a court ruling sets a terrible precedent, it weakens public confidence in the judiciary, discourages belief in constitutional processes, and threatens the very foundation of our democracy.

This is not just a legal issue, it is a moral one. When the Federal Government turns a blind eye to the rule of law and engages in selective compliance based on political sentiment, it becomes complicit in lawlessness. Democracy thrives on justice, not selective enforcement. The welfare of the people must never be sacrificed on the altar of political rivalry.

Osun State has spoken, and the people are raising their voices in unity. They reject the politicization of local governance and the weaponization of federal power. The judiciary has ruled. The illegal officials have been sacked. The only expectation now is compliance with the rule of law.

We call on the Federal Government to immediately release the seized allocations and stop punishing innocent citizens for political reasons. Governance is a sacred trust, not a battlefield for partisan warfare. Let justice prevail. Let democracy breathe.

Comrade Samakin Abdul-Jeleel Abiodun
Write from Odeomu, Ayedade local government area of Osun State
Political, Economy and Financial Analyst