Former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has declared that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will defeat Governor Ademola Adeleke in the 2026 governorship election.
Aregbesola, who is now the interim National Secretary of ADC, made the statement on Sunday during a homecoming event in Osogbo, the state capital.
The former Minister of Interior said his main political focus is now the Osun 2026 governorship election, not the 2027 general elections.
“We are concerned about 2026 in Osun State. We have started the work for next year’s election now,” he said, urging party members to begin massive mobilisation at the grassroots level.
He also hinted that the 2026 race might no longer have three strong parties, suggesting that Governor Adeleke may soon defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). “It is obvious he is decamping now. We will meet in Abere — ADC will win the Osun governorship race in 2026,” he added.
Aregbesola, who governed Osun State from 2010 to 2018 under the APC, reflected on his fallout with the party. He accused the APC of sidelining him despite his efforts in building the party in the state and nationally.
“Those who know my value and worth gave me this new position. They are making noise, but their noise doesn’t concern me,” he said.
On national matters, Aregbesola criticised the federal government, blaming it for rising hunger and hardship across the country.
“The government that makes Nigerians go hungry should not be in power again. Anyone who says Nigeria is better now is part of the problem,” he said.
Aregbesola’s comments have sparked fresh political tension in Osun, setting the stage for what promises to be a fierce battle in the 2026 election.