The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Imole Campaign Council, which is backing Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, have exchanged accusations over security, political violence and governance less than two weeks before the August 15, 2026 governorship election. Both groups also appealed to residents of the state to vote for their candidates.
The latest exchange followed separate statements issued on Sunday by both camps as political activities intensified ahead of the election.
The APC, through its Director of Media and Information in Osun State, Kola Olabisi, challenged Governor Adeleke, who is seeking another term on the platform of the Accord Party, to address claims that his administration had failed to curb political violence and criminal activities since taking office in November 2022.
The party accused the state government of allowing political violence to thrive and questioned the governor’s handling of security matters during his administration. It also raised issues surrounding the 2022 governorship election and asked the governor to account for his government’s performance in office.
According to the APC, the people of Osun deserve clear explanations on matters relating to governance, public safety and the overall record of the present administration. The party said voters would assess the government’s performance before deciding who to support at the polls.
In its response, the Imole Campaign Council dismissed the allegations and instead accused the APC of creating an atmosphere of intimidation and political violence ahead of the election.
The council said feedback from different communities across the state showed that many residents were prepared to make their choice through voting and were determined to reject politics driven by fear and intimidation.
The campaign organisation also defended Governor Adeleke’s administration, saying it had maintained regular payment of workers’ salaries, continued infrastructure development, strengthened public institutions and invested in programmes aimed at improving the welfare of residents.
The council further appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services and other security agencies to ensure that the governorship election is peaceful, free, fair and credible.
It also called on law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute anyone involved in political violence, regardless of political affiliation.