APC Dismisses Adeleke’s Rigging Claims Ahead of Osun Poll

The All Progressives Congress in Osun State has rejected claims made by Governor Ademola Adeleke that the party plans to use federal influence to manipulate the governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026.

The party described the allegation as baseless and said it was an attempt to create an excuse before the election takes place.

The reaction from the party followed remarks made by Adeleke during a meeting with members of the Accord Party in Osogbo. At the gathering, the governor warned that the opposition party might rely on federal authority to interfere with the election process.

In response, the APC issued a statement through its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, denying any intention to influence the electoral process through unlawful methods. The party stated that it believes it can win the election through political mobilisation and growing support among residents of the state.

The party said the accusation by the governor appeared to be part of efforts to prepare the public for a possible defeat in the election. According to the statement, the APC has been concentrating on political organisation and planning ahead of the poll rather than relying on any form of external influence.

The APC also referred to recent political developments in the state which it said had strengthened its position ahead of the election. The party claimed that several politicians who were once linked with the governor’s political camp had moved to its side, adding that these changes were altering the political balance in the state.

Among those mentioned were Shuaib Oyedokun, Francis Adenigba Fadahunsi and Wole Oke, whom the party said had contributed to its expanding support base. The APC also pointed to the arrival of other political figures such as Dotun Babayemi and Akin Ogunbiyi, stating that their involvement had strengthened the party’s campaign activities.

The party further said its governorship candidate, Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, popularly known as AMBO, has continued to gain support across different communities in Osun State.

According to the APC, the candidate is preparing for the election with confidence and intends to rely on voters’ support rather than any unlawful practices.

Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has continued to warn about possible attempts to influence voters during the election period. While speaking to leaders and ward officials of the Accord Party across the state’s 332 wards, he advised residents to remain alert and protect the credibility of the electoral process.

The governor also maintained that federal authority should be used for governance and development rather than for interfering in elections. He urged citizens to ensure that the outcome of the governorship election reflects the will of the people of Osun State.