“Face Your Music While We Face Our Politics” - Faleke Blasts Davido Over Osun Election Claim

Lagos State lawmaker, James Faleke, has fired back at Nigerian music star Davido after the singer accused him of allegedly pressuring the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to alter the result of the Osun State governorship election.

The exchange occurred against the backdrop of the closely contested election, which saw Governor Ademola Adeleke secure another term in office after defeating the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Oyebamiji.

Davido had accused Faleke of attempting to influence the electoral process during the collation of results on Saturday.

In a post on X, the singer directly addressed the lawmaker, writing: “Hon. James Faleke, stop putting pressure on INEC to change Osun election result. Respect the wishes of Osun people. We don’t want Oyetola and AMBO.”

Faleke responded on Sunday, dismissing the allegation and making it clear that he had travelled to Osun to support the APC candidate.

The lawmaker also took a swipe at Davido over his support for Adeleke, pointing out that the singer was backing his uncle’s political camp.

“I came to Osun to support my party’s candidate, while you supported your uncle’s party (Accord),” Faleke said.

He rejected the suggestion that he had the ability to influence INEC, insisting that the electoral body could not be controlled by him or anyone else.

“INEC is a body that can’t be influenced by me or anyone else,” he added.

Faleke ended his response with a pointed message to the singer.

“Face your music while we face our politics,” he said.

The political exchange came shortly after the announcement of the final results, with Adeleke emerging victorious with 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji of the APC polled 444,815 votes.

Despite the earlier disagreement, Faleke later congratulated Adeleke on his victory, while also commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and INEC over what he described as a peaceful election.

The clash between Faleke and Davido has added a celebrity-political dimension to the aftermath of the Osun election, following weeks of intense campaigning and heated exchanges between supporters of rival political parties.

With the election now concluded, attention is shifting towards governance and the ability of the political camps to move beyond the bitter contest and accept the outcome.

Adeleke Condemns Arrest of Osun PDP Chairman, Calls for Immediate Release

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has condemned the reported arrest of the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sunday Bisi, shortly after he cast his vote in the ongoing governorship election.

In a statement issued on Saturday, August 15, by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke described the arrest as an attempt to intimidate political supporters and called for Bisi’s immediate release.

According to the governor, Bisi was allegedly arrested at his residence in Ilesa after returning from his polling unit where he had voted. Adeleke said the PDP chairman was subsequently taken to an undisclosed location, while no reason had been made public for the arrest.

The governor alleged that the incident was part of a broader attempt to prevent his supporters and party members from monitoring the collation of election results across the state.

Adeleke further alleged that security agencies were being used to undermine the electoral process and claimed that the arrests could provide room for manipulation at various collation centres.

“This is the biggest assault on democracy, and I urge everyone involved in this desperate attempt to upturn the will of our people through the use of state institutions,” the governor said.

He called for the immediate release of Bisi and other political detainees allegedly arrested across Osun State.

According to Adeleke, elections should allow citizens to freely choose their preferred candidates without intimidation, threats or force.

Meanwhile, in a separate message on Saturday, Adeleke commended Osun residents for turning out in large numbers to participate in the governorship election.

The governor said the safety of voters remained paramount as the process moved from voting to the collation of results.

“The safety and protection of our people is paramount,” Adeleke said.

He urged security agencies deployed for the election to remain vigilant during the collation of results from polling units to wards and local government areas.

Adeleke also called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to maintain the highest standards of integrity throughout the collation and declaration process.

“Democracy is at its strongest when we honor the wishes of our people and protect the sanctity of their votes,” he said.

The governor urged Osun residents to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to the democratic process as the results are collated.

“Let the people’s will prevail,” Adeleke added.

The allegations surrounding Bisi’s arrest have not been independently established, and the circumstances surrounding the reported arrest remained unclear at the time of publication.

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.

AAC Sets August 12 for Osun Campaign Grand Finale as Sowore Backs Olajide Esan

The African Action Congress (AAC) is set to hold its grand finale campaign rally in Osun State on August 12, 2026, ahead of the state’s governorship election scheduled for August 15.

The rally is expected to bring together party members, supporters, activists and other stakeholders as the AAC intensifies its final mobilisation for its governorship candidate, Olajide Esan.

The party’s presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, Omoyele Sowore, is also expected to attend the rally and join the campaign in support of Esan.

The planned appearance of Sowore gives the Osun campaign added national significance, coming just three days before voters in the state head to the polls.

Esan emerged as the AAC governorship candidate after the party’s primary election and has since been campaigning on an agenda he describes as “Irapada Osun”, meaning “Osun Restoration”.

His campaign has focused on the need for a new approach to governance, with particular emphasis on economic development, job creation, security, education, healthcare, agriculture and improved management of the state’s resources.

Esan has presented himself as a younger alternative to the established political structure in Osun, arguing that the state requires fresh ideas and a government that can create opportunities for its growing population.

One of the areas he has consistently highlighted is the state’s economic potential. The AAC candidate has spoken about the need for Osun to make better use of its natural resources, particularly its mining sector, while developing agriculture and other productive sectors capable of creating employment and generating revenue.

He has also placed emphasis on technology as part of his proposed approach to security and governance.

Esan has argued that modern technology, including Geographic Information Systems and improved community intelligence, can help the government identify security challenges more quickly and coordinate responses more effectively.

Beyond security and economic development, the AAC candidate has also made youth empowerment a major part of his campaign message.

With young people forming a significant portion of Nigeria’s population, Esan has maintained that government must create an environment where young people can develop their skills, establish businesses and participate meaningfully in the state’s economy.

His campaign has also criticised what it describes as the continued dependence of state governments on federal allocations, arguing that Osun must build a stronger internally generated economy.

The August 12 rally is therefore expected to provide Esan with one final opportunity to communicate his message to voters before election day.

For the AAC, however, the campaign extends beyond the immediate Osun governorship election.

The party is also using its activities across the country to build momentum for the 2027 presidential election, where Omoyele Sowore will represent the party.

Sowore has been one of the most prominent voices associated with the AAC since the party became a major platform for political activism and electoral mobilisation.

His political campaign has consistently centred on what he describes as the need for fundamental changes to Nigeria’s political and economic system.

As the AAC’s 2027 presidential candidate, Sowore is expected to use the Osun campaign finale to reinforce the party’s national message while encouraging voters to support Esan at the state level.

The relationship between Sowore and Esan is also an important part of the party’s campaign narrative.

While Esan is seeking to present the AAC as an alternative for Osun residents, Sowore is building a national campaign around the same party’s broader political ideology.

Esan has previously spoken positively about Sowore’s political consistency and his long-standing involvement in campaigns for political and economic reforms.

The AAC describes itself as a revolutionary political party focused on representing the interests and aspirations of ordinary Nigerians.

Its supporters have repeatedly argued that the party offers an alternative to the traditional political establishment, which they accuse of failing to adequately address poverty, unemployment, insecurity, poor infrastructure and other challenges facing Nigerians.

The August 12 rally could therefore serve two purposes: to conclude the AAC’s campaign for the Osun governorship election and to further introduce the party’s national political message ahead of the 2027 presidential contest.

The timing of the event is particularly significant. With only three days separating the rally from election day, the party is expected to use the gathering to make a final appeal to Osun voters and encourage its supporters to participate actively in the electoral process.

The rally is also likely to attract attention from political observers as the AAC seeks to measure its growing influence in Osun against the more established political parties.

For Esan, the immediate objective remains clear: to convince voters that his proposed “Irapada Osun” agenda offers a different direction for the state.

His campaign has sought to move the conversation beyond personalities and political rivalry by focusing on issues such as economic development, security, employment and effective governance.

For Sowore, the appearance will provide an opportunity to strengthen his relationship with AAC supporters in Osun while demonstrating his support for the party’s candidates at the grassroots level.

The event is expected to feature speeches from party leaders, campaign officials and supporters, with Sowore expected to deliver a major address ahead of the August 15 poll.

As the campaign enters its final stage, the AAC is urging its members and supporters to remain focused, mobilise peacefully and take their message to voters across Osun State.

The August 12 grand finale will ultimately provide the party with its last major campaign platform before voters make their choice at the polls.

With Olajide Esan leading the AAC’s state-level campaign and Omoyele Sowore preparing to lead the party into the 2027 presidential election, the rally is expected to highlight the AAC’s attempt to combine its Osun political campaign with its wider national movement for political change.

The party will now look to the August 12 gathering at Freedom Park, Osogbo as a major test of its grassroots mobilisation and its ability to translate its political message into electoral support.

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.