The political temperature in Osun State rose sharply on Thursday as the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) traded accusations over the screening of Governor Ademola Adeleke ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

Governor Adeleke was screened at the PDP National Secretariat, Legacy House, Abuja, alongside other aspirants of the party in a session held behind closed doors. The exercise was attended by top party figures, including the South West Vice Chairman, Kamarudeen Ajisafe; Osun PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi; Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye; and Commissioners Dr. B.T. Salami and Rev. Bunmi Jenyo.

After the screening, Governor Adeleke told journalists that his administration had delivered on its promises and earned overwhelming public support across the state.

“We have delivered good governance to our people in Osun. Our records and popularity are unrivalled. We are ready for victory come 2026,” he said.

“Election is about voters, and we know our people love us. Our popularity is nationwide because of our performance in less than three years. We are confident the will of the people will prevail.”

Adeleke also expressed confidence that the Federal Government would ensure a free and credible electoral process.

---

APC Fires Back

In a swift reaction, the Osun State APC dismissed the PDP screening as a “face-saving exercise,” claiming it followed what it described as Adeleke’s “failed attempt” to defect to the opposition party.

The APC, in a statement signed by its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, urged the governor to begin preparing his handover notes ahead of the 2026 poll.

The party accused Adeleke of running what it called a “shallow and directionless” government, alleging that over ₦60 billion had been spent on the Governor’s Office within 35 months “without employing a single teacher.”

According to the APC, the administration’s neglect of the education sector had forced tertiary institutions to hike their fees, while “no fewer than 32,000 citizens were duped under the guise of teacher recruitment.”

The statement further read:

“Governor Adeleke’s re-election bid is doomed. His government is riddled with misgovernance, misplaced priorities, vengeance, and waste of resources.”

The APC also alleged that Adeleke had made “fruitless efforts” to defect to the party, saying the PDP screening was a “smokescreen” to cover up his political embarrassment.

“Information available to us confirms that he was still seen loitering around Aso Villa last week, begging for a soft landing to join the APC,” the statement claimed.

The opposition party maintained that the people of Osun had already “screened out” the governor based on his record in office.

“No political party under which he may contest will save him from defeat. The forthcoming election is for Adeleke and his rudderless party to lose,” the APC said, adding that it was “fully prepared to reclaim Osun in 2026.”