2026: Adeleke Reverses Self, Counters Initial Endorsement Of Aregbesola’s Policies
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has stated that the people of Osun State will reject the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and its National Secretary, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in the 2026 governorship election.
In a statement on Monday, Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed said the governor’s credentials surpasses that of his predecessors, including Aregbesola, stressing that his achievements are enough to return him to power.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the governor’s comments is coming a day after Aregbesola spoke in Osogbo at a solidarity rally in honour of his recent appointment organised by the Osun state chapter of the ADC.
Aregbesola had in his remarks noted that the ADC will work assiduously to reclaim the state in the 2026 governorship election.
He said, “What really concerns me presently is the 2026 gubernatorial election. I am confident we will win the election and the sign is good.
“I want to appeal to everyone of you to start campaigning from door to door. Don’t fight anyone. What we need is for people to join our party.
“We are not here to trade insults,” he said. “We are here to restore what has been lost — dignity, competence, and direction,” Aregbesola noted.
But in a response, Adeleke stated that, “A man who should be remorseful and tender public apologies for his years of maladministration has the audacity to threaten Governor Adeleke who is clearing the mess left behind by Mr Aregbesola after his eight years of anti-people, thoughtless leadership.
“Within less than three years, Governor Adeleke has surpassed government delivery of the eight years of Mr Aregbesola without borrowing a kobo for infrastructure projects. The current administration has reduced Osun debt left by Mr Aregbesola by 40 percent as confirmed by the Debt Management Office.
“2026 is a payback time when Osun people will punish the former Governor and his new party for wilfully inflicting pains and suffering on Osun people throughout his eight years rule,” the statement said.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that Adeleke, in the latest statement, retracted his earlier comments, which had commended Aregbesola’s governance of Osun.
In different statements, the governor had praised the former Minister of Interior, celebrating his leadership style, administrative acumen and brand of politics.
On March 28, 2023, Adeleke during the commissioning of the Ilesa Passport Front Office said, “No matter the party you are, if you are a progressive, you are a progressive if you are doing what the people want. When he was Governor, he loved the people and the people loved him. All the projects Ogbeni left, it was abandoned for years. I promised the people during my campaign that I was going to continue the projects, that is what I am doing.
“As a civilised person, no matter the party you are, you will always love progress. That is what I will always continue to ensure that all developmental projects are continued. As a federal minister from the state, we are proud of your achievements and we will continue to be proud of you.
“Mr. Minister, I am assuring you, that this is your state, nobody can chase you away. This is your state, you are welcome at anytime. Even, you can come around to the Government House. When I complete all of the structures I am currently working on at the Government House, I will personally invite you to commission it.”
Also, the governor, through his SSG, Teslim Igbalaye, on May 25, 2024, described Aregbesola as an exceptional whose imprints in the state and country stand the test of time.
“You are blessed. You only know a core politician by the calibre of people following him when he is not in power. For me to see the calibre of people here even without you being in power at the moment, it means God is with you. It also shows that you are grounded.
“You are someone who always elevates your followers, and today, you are reaping the fruits of that loving gesture of yours. I want to tell you that whether somebody decides to celebrate you or not, what you did in the history of Osun will continue to speak for you,” Adeleke stressed.
Okikiola Adewale is a young and vibrant undergraduate pen pusher with training in both print and digital journalism. He has a flair for writing, content development and people-oriented reporting to seek societal change.
