Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has accused APC National President, Abdullahi Ganduje, of threatening democracy and attempting to undermine President Bola Tinubu's leadership. Adeleke responded to Ganduje's pledge to seize Osun in 2026, made after the APC's victory in the Ondo State governorship election, by accusing him of being discontent with the South West's peace and unity behind President Tinubu.
Adeleke also accused Ganduje of attempting to stoke regional political tensions and undermine the president's position ahead of the 2027 elections. Additionally, Adeleke described Ganduje's comments as anti-democratic and at odds with Tinubu's democratic values.
Adeleke pointed out that local dynamics ensured the continued success of the Kwankwasiyya group in Kano, which outperformed Ganduje's faction despite his eight years in office. He questioned why Ganduje would think the people of Osun would allow their will to be disregarded in 2026, given that Osun is the heart of the Yoruba people, where political freedom is deeply valued, and resistance to electoral fraud is a tradition.
Adeleke concluded by accusing Ganduje of being an insider threat to President Tinubu's leadership and invited him to study Osun's political dynamics. He warned that what works in Edo and Ondo would not succeed in Osun for various reasons and stated that many opposition members had recently defected to the ruling party, strengthening the PDP's position in Osun.