A fresh political dispute has emerged in Osun State following conflicting claims by rival political groups over alleged support from Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The controversy centres on accusations and counter-accusations involving supporters of Governor Ademola Adeleke and those aligned with Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, the Osun All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, as well as allies of former governor, Adegboyega Oyetola.
The AMBO Media Fronts, speaking for Bola Oyebamiji, dismissed claims of any alliance between President Tinubu and Governor Adeleke.
The group in a statement by Adebayo Adedeji, Coordinator, AMBO Media Fronts, described such reports as “false and misleading.
It insisted that “the President would not support the re-election of the incumbent governor.”
It argued that “Oyebamiji remains a loyal party member with a track record in public service. His tenure at the National Inland Waterways Authority as evidence of administrative capacity.”
The AMBO Media Fronts also raised concerns about governance in Osun State, including policies on education funding and the status of certain projects, alleging gaps in implementation.
However, the Governor Ademola Adeleke aligned Accord Media Centre countered him by highlighting what it described as the governor’s popularity and acceptance among key demographic groups in the state.
The Accord Media Centre, in a statement, criticised former governor Adegboyega Oyetola and Bola Oyebamiji, accusing them of actions it said were capable of embarrassing the President and deepening divisions within the All Progressives Congress.
The group alleged that the minister and the APC candidate had demonstrated divisive and cantankerous conduct, claiming their actions were weakening party cohesion in the state.
It further stated that “internal disagreements within the APC had led to dissatisfaction among party members, alleging that the imposition of candidates had alienated some stakeholders.”
According to the Accord Media Centre, “those who genuinely support the President have moved beyond internal disputes and are aligning with the preference of the people of Osun.”
The group maintained that Governor Adeleke enjoys widespread grassroots backing across various sectors, including labour groups, artisans, students, and farmers.
It added that political assessments and reports, which it described as credible, indicate that Adeleke remains a strong contender in the forthcoming August 15, 2026 election.
The statement also urged former governor Oyetola and Oyebamiji to “refrain from conduct that could portray the President in a negative light.”