Adeleke Denies Electoral Deal With ADC, Says Osun Victory Was Driven by God and Voters

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied having any electoral deal or political partnership with the African Democratic Congress ADC before, during or after the recent governorship election.

Adeleke made the clarification while reacting to claims surrounding the role of the ADC in the election that secured his re-election as governor of Osun State.

The governor said the credit for his victory belongs to God Almighty and the people of Osun State, whom he described as responsible for giving him overwhelming support at the polls.

“For the sake of history, it is important to clarify that the ADC was never part of the rainbow coalition that canvassed, mobilised, and supported our campaign in the battle leading to last Saturday’s election,” Adeleke said.

He maintained that the ADC was not part of the political coalition that worked for his re-election, stressing that the party did not participate in the mobilisation and campaign efforts that preceded the election.

Adeleke, however, commended the political partners who supported his campaign and contributed to his victory.

He said their sacrifices, commitment and hard work were instrumental to the outcome of the election.

“I commend all our political partners who sacrificed, worked tirelessly, and went all out to make Saturday a victory day for all Osun people,” he said.

The governor’s statement comes amid discussions over the political alignments and alliances that shaped the Osun governorship election.

Adeleke also used the opportunity to extend an olive branch to residents across political divides, saying the election was now over and his responsibility was to govern the entire state.

“Now that the election is over, I remain the Governor of all Osun people, irrespective of political affiliation, religion, or tribe,” Adeleke said.

He pledged to focus on uniting the people of Osun State and continuing his administration’s work towards the progress and prosperity of the state.

Adeleke’s clarification is expected to further shape discussions about the alliances that influenced the election and the political relationships that may emerge ahead of future elections in Osun State.

Sowore Leads AAC Campaign Walk in Osogbo, Says Osun Is Ready for Change

Omoyele Sowore has joined supporters of the African Action Congress (AAC) in Osogbo, Osun State, in a fresh campaign mobilisation for the party’s governorship candidate, Olajide Esan.

Sowore shared images and a message from the campaign on Wednesday, August 12, saying the streets of Osogbo were filled with supporters who turned out to back Esan ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

According to Sowore, the turnout reflected what he described as a growing desire among Osun residents for a different political direction.

“Today in Osogbo, Osun State, the streets came alive as we turned out in force to give our powerful support to the AAC gubernatorial candidate, Olajide Esan,” Sowore said.

He described the atmosphere as energetic and said the campaign was taking the party’s message of what he called “revolutionary change” directly to residents.

“The energy was electric, the enthusiasm was unmistakable, and the message from the people was clear to the effect that Osun is ready for a new direction!” he added.

The latest mobilisation comes just three days before the August 15 Osun governorship election, which has generated intense political activity across the state.

Esan, a 39-year-old entrepreneur and geographer, emerged as the AAC governorship candidate in December 2025. He is contesting alongside his running mate, Bello Muideen Yekeen. The Independent National Electoral Commission’s final list of candidates included Esan among those cleared to contest the election. 

In recent days, Esan has continued to campaign around a message of citizen-centred governance, arguing that political leadership should serve the people rather than concentrate decision-making in the hands of politicians.

At a recent engagement in Osogbo, the AAC candidate said governance should return to the people and that leaders should be accountable to citizens. 

The campaign has also positioned Esan as an alternative to the major political parties contesting the election.

The AAC candidate has previously criticised rival candidates over their absence from a media-organised governorship debate, arguing that voters deserve the opportunity to hear candidates explain their plans and answer questions about the future of the state. 

Sowore’s appearance in Osogbo therefore adds another layer to the final stage of the AAC campaign. The activist and politician has remained one of the most prominent voices associated with the party since its formation, and his presence is expected to boost the party’s final mobilisation efforts.

In his message, Sowore insisted that the movement would continue taking its message directly to voters rather than relying solely on conventional political campaigning.

“We are taking the message of revolutionary change directly to the streets and to the people,” he said.

He also declared that there would be no retreat from the campaign.

“The movement is growing, and there is NO GOING BACK!”

The AAC campaign has consistently used its “Take It Back” message as part of its political identity, with Sowore calling on supporters to mobilise around demands for fundamental political and economic change.

The Osun election is expected to be closely watched because of the number of prominent political figures and parties involved. The contest includes incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, ADC candidate Najeem Salaam and other candidates, including AAC’s Olajide Esan. 

With only days remaining before voters head to the polls, the competing parties have intensified their final campaigns across Osun.

For the AAC, Wednesday’s Osogbo mobilisation represents an attempt to demonstrate that the party has built a grassroots presence capable of challenging the established political forces in the state.

Sowore’s message also sought to frame the turnout as more than a campaign gathering, portraying it as evidence of growing public interest in an alternative political platform.

However, the ultimate test will come on election day, when Osun voters decide which candidate will receive their votes.

As the final campaign hours approach, all eyes are now on the state and whether the enthusiasm displayed at the various rallies will translate into votes at the polling units.

Sowore ended his message with the party’s familiar call to action: “AAC! TAKE IT BACK! ACTION!”

Osun Police Summon Senator Fadahunsi Over ‘Kill Accord’ Comment

The Osun State Police Command has summoned Senator Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, over his viral comments allegedly calling for members of the Accord Party to be killed ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.

The development comes just three days before the August 15, 2026, governorship poll, amid growing concerns over political tension and possible violence in the state. 

The police invitation followed widespread reactions to a video circulating on social media in which Fadahunsi, speaking in Yoruba, was alleged to have instructed supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to kill Accord members if they were seen in parts of Osun during the election period.

The incident reportedly occurred in Ilesa on Tuesday during an event at the palace of the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland. According to reports, the senator was speaking during a gathering organised following the alleged killing of three APC members in Ilesa. 

In the video, Fadahunsi was quoted as saying that if Accord members were seen in Ilesa before the election, they would be killed.

The comments have generated strong condemnation, with concerns that such rhetoric could heighten tensions between supporters of rival political parties and potentially undermine the peaceful conduct of the election.

The Police Command has now moved to question the senator over the circumstances surrounding the statement.

A letter dated August 11, 2026, reportedly invited Fadahunsi to appear before the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osogbo at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, August 12, to clarify the circumstances surrounding the remarks. 

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Osun election, Samuel Etaifo Erale, reportedly signed the invitation.

The police spokesperson, Abiodun Ojelabi, also confirmed that Fadahunsi had been summoned by the Commissioner of Police.

“I can confirm that he (Fadahunsi) has been summoned by the CP. We will make a statement available regarding it,” Ojelabi was quoted as saying. 

The controversy has added to an already tense political atmosphere in Osun, where parties have been campaigning aggressively ahead of Saturday’s election.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has also reacted to the viral video, demanding action against the senator.

Adeleke described the remarks as more than ordinary political rhetoric, arguing that comments calling for violence could have serious security implications.

The governor said he had raised the matter with the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and called for Fadahunsi to be investigated and arrested. According to Adeleke, the IGP confirmed that authorities had seen the viral video and assured him that action would be taken. 

“This is now beyond politics. This is now a national security threat,” Adeleke reportedly said.

The latest development is particularly significant because the Osun election has already been characterised by accusations and counter-accusations between the major political camps.

The APC is backing its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, while the incumbent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration is seeking another term.

The Accord Party is also participating in the election, making the alleged threat against its members a matter of concern for the party and election observers.

Another APC-linked figure, Francis Eniade, has also reportedly come under criticism after a separate video circulated in which he allegedly told non-APC members not to come out to vote in Odo-Otin Local Government Area on election day. 

The two incidents have intensified calls for political actors to moderate their language and allow voters to participate freely.

The police invitation also comes at a time when security arrangements for the Osun election have been receiving increased attention, with authorities under pressure to prevent political violence before, during and after the poll.

For many observers, the concern goes beyond the individuals involved. Statements encouraging violence during an election can create fear among voters, discourage participation and increase the possibility of clashes between supporters of competing parties.

The Osun State governorship election is scheduled for August 15, 2026, with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) expected to oversee the poll.

As political parties make their final push for votes, attention will now turn to how the police handle the investigation into Fadahunsi’s alleged remarks and whether further action will follow.

The senator’s summons does not, by itself, establish guilt. The police are expected to hear his explanation and determine the appropriate next steps based on the outcome of their investigation.

With only days remaining before voters head to the polls, the latest controversy has once again placed political language and election security at the centre of the Osun campaign.

The expectation among residents, political parties and observers is that all sides will allow voters to exercise their rights without threats, intimidation or violence.

“The Best Nigerians Are Now in ADC” - Atiku Woos Osun Voters

Atiku Abubakar addressing supporters during the ADC campaign rally for governorship candidate Dr. Najeem Folasayo in Osun State.

Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar, has urged voters in Osun State to support the party’s governorship candidate, Dr. Najeem Folasayo, describing the ADC as a political platform now attracting “the best of Nigerians.”

Atiku made the statement on Monday while addressing supporters at the ADC campaign rally in Osun State, where he appealed to residents to support the party in the forthcoming governorship election.

The former vice president used the occasion to remind Osun voters of their previous support for him during past elections, saying he had not forgotten the confidence they had repeatedly shown in him.

“My fellow Osun citizens, this is the fourth time I am standing on this podium. And each time I stood here, you gave me your vote. I cannot forget that,” Atiku said.

He recalled his previous visit to Osun during the governorship election, when he appealed to residents to support Governor Ademola Adeleke.

“I came here for the current governor, and I appealed to you to support him, and you voted him,” he said.

Atiku also recalled his presidential campaign in the state, claiming that Osun voters supported his presidential bid and voted against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“I came here on my presidential campaign, you voted for me, and you defeated Bola Ahmed Tinubu in this state. For me, I can’t forget that,” he said.

The ADC presidential candidate said his longstanding relationship with Osun voters was one of the reasons he personally attended the campaign to seek their support once again.

“I have come today to appeal to you again to vote ADC,” Atiku told the crowd.

He sought to distinguish the ADC from other political parties contesting for power in the state, arguing that the party had attracted a new group of Nigerians seeking political change.

“ADC, I can assure you, is different from APC, is different from Accord, is different from all other parties,” he said.

Atiku then made his strongest pitch for the party, declaring that some of the country’s most capable people had joined the ADC.

“Because the best of Nigerians are today in ADC. The best of Nigerians are today in ADC,” he said.

The statement appeared aimed at presenting the ADC as an alternative to the established political parties and encouraging voters who are dissatisfied with the existing political system to consider the party.

Atiku also urged Osun residents to support Dr. Najeem Folasayo, the ADC governorship candidate, in the election.

He expressed confidence that the turnout at the campaign rally was an indication of growing support for the party across the state.

“I thank you very much for your turnout, which is quite impressive, and that has given us optimism that the next elections, we are going to win and you are going to win,” Atiku said.

The former vice president’s appearance comes as political parties intensify their campaigns and mobilisation activities ahead of the Osun governorship election.

The ADC has been seeking to strengthen its presence in the state by presenting Folasayo as its candidate and relying on the party’s national leadership to mobilise support.

Atiku’s participation adds weight to the campaign as he remains one of the major figures associated with the ADC’s national political project ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

His message in Osun was, however, focused primarily on the immediate governorship contest, with the former vice president asking residents to reward the party with their votes.

Atiku also framed his appeal around gratitude, reminding voters that he had previously sought their support and received it.

He said he had come not only to request another vote but also to thank Osun residents for their previous backing.

“That’s why I have come personally to relate with you, to thank you for your previous support, and to appeal to you to vote ADC in the next gubernatorial election,” he said.

The ADC campaign is expected to continue its mobilisation across Osun as the party works to convince voters that Folasayo can provide a different direction for the state.

With the election expected to attract strong competition from the major political parties, the ADC will be hoping that Atiku’s national profile and the party’s growing political structure can translate into increased support for its candidate at the grassroots.

For Atiku, the message to Osun voters was straightforward: the people who supported him in previous elections should now consider extending that support to the ADC.

He concluded by thanking the people for their impressive turnout and expressing optimism that the enthusiasm displayed at the rally would eventually produce victory for the party.

The development adds another layer to the growing political contest in Osun, as parties continue to make their final appeals to voters and position their candidates ahead of the governorship election.

Lagos Governor Assures Safety of Alakija Bridge After Vandalism Attempt

Lagos State Governor inspecting Alakija Bridge after an alleged vandalism attempt

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured residents that the Alakija Bridge remains safe and structurally sound following an alleged attempt by vandals to damage part of the bridge.

The governor disclosed this after inspecting the bridge earlier today, saying the incident had been brought under control and there was no cause for alarm.

According to him, the bridge remains safe and ready for use, while security agencies have moved to apprehend those responsible for the attempted vandalism.

Sanwo-Olu commended personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Lagos State Task Force, Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) and the Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps for their swift response in securing the area.

He disclosed that some of the suspects allegedly involved in the incident had already been arrested, while efforts were ongoing to apprehend others.

The governor warned individuals involved in the destruction or attempted destruction of public infrastructure across Lagos State, stressing that such acts would attract the full force of the law.

He also linked the development to the wider efforts to improve security and maintain infrastructure along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway corridor.

According to him, the ongoing clean-up operation along the corridor is already producing visible results and would be sustained.

Sanwo-Olu urged Lagos residents to take responsibility for protecting public infrastructure, noting that facilities such as bridges and roads belong to the people and are essential to the movement of residents and businesses across the state.

He assured Lagosians that the government would continue to work with security agencies to protect critical infrastructure and respond quickly to threats that could endanger public safety.

The incident comes amid growing concerns over the vandalism of public infrastructure in different parts of Lagos, with authorities increasingly relying on security agencies and community-based monitoring to protect government facilities.

Okpebholo Mocks Adeleke, Says Osun Governor Knows Only How to Dance

Governor Monday Okpebholo criticised Governor Ademola Adeleke while campaigning for the APC ahead of the Osun governorship election.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has mocked Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, claiming the governor’s absence from meetings of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) is because he “doesn’t know what to say except to dance.”

Okpebholo made the remarks while campaigning for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the August 15 Osun governorship election, where the party is seeking to unseat the incumbent governor.

Addressing supporters at the rally, the Edo governor ridiculed Adeleke’s well-known dancing style, suggesting it has become a distraction from governance.

“Demola Adeleke doesn’t attend governors’ forum meetings in Abuja because he doesn’t know what to say except to dance,” Okpebholo said, drawing laughter from the crowd.

He continued by joking that Adeleke dances before virtually every activity.

“For four years, this man has been dancing. Before he eats breakfast, he dances. Before he drinks tea, he dances. Before he enters the plane, he dances. By the time he gets to Abuja, our meeting has already ended. He doesn’t even know what we discuss there,” he said.

The Edo governor argued that Osun deserves a new administration, insisting that the APC candidate should be elected to replace Adeleke.

According to him, the current Osun government has failed to meet the expectations of the people.

“If a government is not working, the best gift you can give that government is to send it out,” he told supporters.

Okpebholo also urged voters to collect any money allegedly offered during the campaign but vote according to their conscience.

“They say they have money to spend. Collect the money and keep it in your pocket, but don’t vote for them,” he said.

The governor further linked Adeleke politically to former Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, claiming the Osun governor shares the same political approach.

“That man is Obaseki’s friend. We removed Obaseki, so we have to remove his friend too,” he added.

The comments come as political campaigns intensify ahead of the Osun governorship election, with both the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the APC stepping up efforts to win over voters.

Governor Adeleke has repeatedly defended his administration’s performance, citing projects in infrastructure, education, healthcare and workers’ welfare as evidence that his government deserves another mandate.

The APC, however, maintains that the state requires new leadership, making the August 15 election one of the most closely watched off-cycle governorship contests in Nigeria.