Adeleke hits Ganduje over APC’s plan to take over Osun, Oyo

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has criticised the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje, for his remarks on the party’s plan to take control of Osun and Oyo states.

After the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Lucky Aiyedatiwa the winner of the Ondo gubernatorial election on Sunday, Ganduje revealed that the party was now focusing on capturing Osun and Oyo states, currently under the control of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Reacting to the statement, Adeleke accused Ganduje of attempting to destabilise the South-West region and foment unrest.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, on Monday, Adeleke described the APC chairman’s comments as “anti-democratic” and inconsistent with the principles championed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

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“As a well-read politician, one would have expected Dr Ganduje to know that electoral contests depend mostly on local indexes and factors,” the statement read. “What obtains in Edo and Ondo is surely different from the political realities in Osun State.”

Rasheed emphasised that local dynamics, grievances and interests often shaped electoral outcomes, criticising Ganduje for his inability to secure Kano State for the APC despite governing it for eight years.

Adeleke further warned against any attempt to undermine the will of Osun residents in the 2026 elections. “Osun factors which enthroned Governor Adeleke will resist any attempt to disrespect the will of Osun people,” the statement declared.

He also questioned Ganduje’s motives, accusing him of jeopardising President Tinubu’s home region for political gains, saying, “If Dr Ganduje truly loves Mr President, why is he pushing to destabilise the president’s home zone through open threats to violate electoral laws and deny the electorate their rights?”