Political Tensions in Osun State
In the ongoing political landscape of Osun State, a significant figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Abiola Ogundokun, has made strong statements regarding the potential alliance between two prominent political figures. Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are rumored to be considering a collaboration ahead of the 2026 governorship election. However, Ogundokun firmly believes that this alliance will not deter the APC from securing victory.
In a statement released on Sunday, Ogundokun characterized any possible consultation between the PDP and ADC as “jittery maneuvers disguised as strategic alliances.” He emphasized that the APC is the most disciplined and stable political structure in the state. This assertion comes amidst rumors of a meeting between Adeleke and Aregbesola, with claims that Adeleke was accompanied by his billionaire brother, Chief Adedeji Adeleke, during the discussion.
Despite these rumors, Adeleke’s media aide recently dismissed the APC’s claims as false. In a statement, the spokesperson stated, “The report is false, and the entire assertions by the opposition are mere fabrication and fake news.” The statement further clarified that Governor Adeleke is not negotiating with former Governor Aregbesola about ADC and that the governor is not joining ADC.
Ogundokun, however, took a different stance, mocking Adeleke’s efforts to align with other political parties. He remarked, “When a sitting governor starts begging to align with other political parties, it shows that the end of the road is near. It is a clear sign of dwindling popularity, desperation, and fear of imminent defeat.” He also criticized the Osun PDP, noting that it once boasted of being the party to beat but is now “running helter-skelter, pleading for partnerships merely to stay afloat ahead of 2026.”
Ogundokun highlighted that genuine political realignments should be based on respect for structure, loyalty, and party discipline—qualities he claims are lacking in both the PDP and ADC in Osun. He pointed out that the PDP is being swept into political oblivion by the hurricane of defections besetting it, while the ADC could not find its footing before plunging into crisis.
“If each of them stood firmly on one leg, perhaps together they could have posed a semblance of competition. But as things stand, both will be crushed by the APC in the ballot box come 2026,” Ogundokun said.
Last week, Adeleke’s spokesman reiterated that his principal would not join the ADC or align with any interest within the party ahead of the 2026 election in the state. This statement reinforces the notion that the current political dynamics in Osun State are complex and filled with strategic maneuvering.
Key Points of the Political Scenario
- Rumored Alliance: There are claims of a potential alliance between Governor Ademola Adeleke of the PDP and former Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the ADC.
- APC’s Confidence: Chief Abiola Ogundokun of the APC remains confident that their party will win the 2026 election despite the potential alliance.
- Dismissal of Rumors: Adeleke’s media aide has denied the existence of any such alliance, calling the reports false and fabricated.
- Criticism of PDP and ADC: Ogundokun criticized both the PDP and ADC for lacking the qualities necessary for genuine political realignments.
- Future Outlook: Despite the potential alliance, Ogundokun believes that both the PDP and ADC will be defeated by the APC in the upcoming election.