A group within the All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched an ambitious plan to unseat Governor Ademola Adeleke in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial elections in Osun State.
The group, known as the Osun Unity Forum, claims that Adeleke’s leadership style has alienated many in the state, and they are determined to replace him with an APC candidate.
At a press briefing in Osogbo over the weekend, Barrister Bimbo Amusan, the group’s Convener, accused Adeleke of being “nepotistic” in his governance.
“We believe that Governor Adeleke has focused too much on developing his hometown, Ede, while neglecting the rest of the state,” Amusan said.
He added that such a strategy would result in a loss of support for Adeleke when he seeks re-election.
“We will wake up one day and realize that the state capital has been moved from Osogbo to Ede,” Amusan claimed, suggesting that the governor’s focus on his home town could provoke a backlash from other parts of Osun.
Amusan emphasized that the Osun Unity Forum is targeting youth voters in their strategy to challenge Adeleke.
He stated, “Every four years, new people cross the voting age. We will focus on these new voters, as they represent the future of the state.”
The group believes that, just like former U.S. President Donald Trump, it is possible to win elections by mobilizing young and first-time voters.
“Trump won despite his age because he connected with new voters,” Amusan said. “We are doing the same here in Osun.”
The group is also working to build alliances with student leaders and youth organizations to strengthen its base.
“We are focusing on students and young people, educating them about the importance of political involvement and leadership,” said Amusan. “We are teaching them that politics is not just about celebrations but an intellectual pursuit.”
The APC group also aims to highlight what it sees as flaws in Adeleke’s governance. They argue that the governor’s policies have left many people disillusioned, particularly in areas outside of Ede.
In addition to this, the group criticized Adeleke for his perceived focus on family interests, calling it a “nepotistic” approach to leadership.
“We need a governor who is fair to all parts of the state, not just someone who prioritizes his hometown,” Amusan said.
However, the claims from the Osun Unity Forum have been strongly disputed by the state government.
Kolapo Alimi, the Information Commissioner for Osun State, dismissed the accusations, calling them “mischievous.”
According to Alimi, Adeleke’s administration has been focused on developing infrastructure throughout the state, including road construction and other public works.
“Adeleke has constructed roads and completed other vital projects across Osun State,” Alimi stated. “These claims by the APC group are false and only meant to mislead the public.”
Alimi also pointed out that the current administration is focused on paying salaries owed by the previous APC government, a key achievement in Adeleke’s leadership.
“2026 is going to be a walkover for Senator Ademola Adeleke,” Alimi confidently declared. “He is paying off all the salary arrears left by the APC, and he is completing abandoned projects.”
The battle between the APC and the government of Governor Adeleke has been heating up as the 2026 election approaches. Both sides are now preparing for what promises to be a highly charged political contest.
The Osun Unity Forum’s campaign to mobilize youth support is seen as a direct challenge to Adeleke’s popularity, particularly among younger voters who may be dissatisfied with his administration.
The APC group believes that with the right political message and grassroots mobilization, it can effectively replace Adeleke and reclaim control of Osun State.
Despite the backlash from the state government, the Osun Unity Forum remains confident in its mission.
“We are united, and we will continue to work hard to gain the support of the people,” Amusan concluded.