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Governor Ademola Adeleke says 12 years of APC rule left Osun burdened with unpaid salaries, stalled development, and economic hardship before his administration took over.
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Incumbent dismisses former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s endorsement of the APC, insisting it poses no threat to his re-election bid.
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Adeleke claims he once bought Oyinlola a new car after the former governor complained he had none, but says the gesture did not stop him from backing the opposition.
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Governor touts achievements in workers’ welfare, infrastructure, and governance, urging Osun voters to renew his mandate in the August 15 governorship election
August 11, (THEWILL) — Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has declared that the 12-year administration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) brought “nothing but pain” to Osun State, insisting that his government rescued the state from financial distress and restored confidence in governance.
Adeleke made the remarks during the ARISE News Town Hall programme for candidates in the August 15 governorship election, where he defended his administration’s performance while dismissing the political relevance of former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who recently endorsed the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO).
According to Adeleke, his administration inherited a state weighed down by unpaid salaries, abandoned projects, and economic hardship, but immediately prioritised the welfare of workers and pensioners after assuming office.
“Twelve years of APC administration caused Osun State nothing but pain. I came in and started paying salaries that were left unpaid. Citizens had been receiving half salaries from previous administrations,” the governor said.
He argued that his government had focused on rebuilding public confidence through prompt salary payments, improved infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and other developmental initiatives.
Defending the quality of projects executed under his administration, Adeleke said his government engaged certified professionals to ensure that roads and other infrastructure met required standards.
“On the roads, I use certified engineers. I used Nigerian engineers and we invited an international engineer. I don’t do substandard things; it is a sin. All the beautiful roads we have done have been certified,” he stated.
‘Oyinlola Is a Political Paperweight’
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke (left), with former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, during a previous meeting, before their political relationship deteriorated ahead of the August 15 governorship election.
The governor also dismissed suggestions that the endorsement of APC candidate Oyebamiji by former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola could influence Saturday’s governorship election.
Adeleke maintained that Oyinlola had consistently opposed his political ambitions over the years and that the latest endorsement would not change the electoral equation.
According to him, the former governor neither supported his senatorial ambition nor backed him during the disputed 2018 governorship election, which Adeleke has repeatedly claimed was taken away from him.
He added that Oyinlola also withheld support during the 2022 governorship election despite his eventual victory over then-incumbent Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.
The governor alleged that Oyinlola had previously aligned with other political interests against him before later seeking reconciliation.
Adeleke further claimed he once came to Oyinlola’s aid after the former governor complained about not owning a vehicle.
“Former Governor Oyinlola complained to me that he doesn’t have a car, and I gave him a new car. He collected the new car, then he went to APM, from APM to APC, saying he would not support me. He’s a paperweight,” Adeleke declared.
Despite the former governor’s reported endorsement of the APC candidate, Adeleke insisted he remained unperturbed, saying the people of Osun would determine the outcome of the election through their votes.
The governor urged voters to assess his administration based on its performance rather than political rhetoric, expressing confidence that his record in office would earn him another four-year mandate.
Adeleke said his government had pursued people-oriented policies across critical sectors, including education, healthcare, road infrastructure, agriculture, and workers’ welfare, adding that the administration remained committed to sustaining development if re-elected.
The August 15 governorship election has evolved into a keenly contested race, with Adeleke seeking a second term against APC candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dr Najeem Salam, and 11 other candidates.
The poll is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most significant off-cycle elections and is expected to serve as an important political barometer ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
