The governorship race in Osun State is heating up ahead of the 2026 election, with the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji, accusing Governor Ademola Adeleke of plotting a coordinated smear campaign to undermine his ambition.
Oyebamiji, through a statement issued on Monday by his media coordinator, Adebayo Adedeji, alleged that the incumbent administration is preparing to flood both traditional and digital media with negative narratives, falsehoods, and damaging reports aimed at eroding his growing popularity.
According to the APC candidate, the alleged strategy is designed to mislead voters and weaken what he described as his rising acceptance across communities in the state.
The statement maintained that Oyebamiji is increasingly being seen by residents as a “governor-in-waiting,” citing what it called his track record of purposeful leadership and capacity to reposition Osun’s economy.
It further claimed that political opponents, having failed to link him to any verifiable wrongdoing, have resorted to what it described as a sustained campaign of calumny intended to last until election day.
Oyebamiji, therefore, urged residents to remain cautious and disregard what he termed baseless publications and broadcasts, warning that such efforts are aimed at manipulating public perception.
However, the Adeleke administration has dismissed the allegations, insisting that the electorate is already aware of Oyebamiji’s record in public office.
In a counter-statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the administration accused the APC candidate of attempting to rewrite history, alleging that his past roles in government were marked by controversies and poor management of public resources.
The statement cited issues ranging from salary shortfalls and asset sales to pension liabilities and challenges in the waterways sector during Oyebamiji’s tenure in various positions.
Rasheed added that the current administration remains focused on showcasing its achievements, including infrastructure development, agricultural initiatives, and improvements in education and healthcare.
As political tensions escalate, both camps appear set for a fierce battle of narratives in the lead-up to what is expected to be a closely contested election.