Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has criticized the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, calling him a threat to democracy.
According to Naija News, Mr. Adeleke called on President Bola Tinubu to warn him about the former Kano State governor’s comments.
The governor’s reaction, conveyed through a statement by his media aide, Olawale Rasheed, on Monday, followed Ganduje’s comments on the APC’s intention to “occupy” Osun State in 2026.
Ganduje made this statement following the victory of APC in the Ondo State governorship election.
Mr. Adeleke accused Mr. Ganduje of trying to destroy the unity and peace of the South-West, a region that largely supports President Tinubu.
He maintained that Ganduje’s comments were aimed at creating political tension in the run-up to the 2027 elections and undermining Tinubu’s leadership.
Mr. Adeleke labeled Mr. Ganduje’s comments undemocratic, noting that they contradicted Mr. Tinubu’s commitment to democratic principles.
He insisted that the election outcome would be determined by local factors and not influenced by outside forces or political rhetoric.
“As an experienced politician, Dr. Ganduje should understand that voters’ behavior is shaped by local concerns and realities,” Adeleke said. “What is valid in Ondo and Edo does not necessarily apply to Osun State.”
The governor cited political setbacks in Kano where the Kwankwasiya movement outnumbered his faction despite Ganduje serving as governor for eight years.
Mr. Adeleke questioned Mr. Ganduje’s belief that a similar strategy could be successful in Osun state, which values political freedom and has a history of resisting electoral fraud.
“Osun is the cultural center of the Yoruba people, where the right to vote is strictly protected,” Adeleke said. “It is puzzling why Mr. Ganduje thinks Osun residents will abandon their mandate in 2026.”
Mr Adeleke further accused Mr Ganduje of creating division in the president’s hometown and jeopardizing Mr Tinubu’s leadership.
He urged Ganduje to focus on understanding the political situation in Osun instead of making threats that could destabilize the region.
The governor also highlighted the recent defection of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from opposition forces in Osun State and strengthened the PDP’s position in the state.
Mr Adeleke dismissed Mr Ganduje’s actions as lacking the support of President Tinubu, stressing that the South-West will not tolerate attempts to incite conflict or subvert democracy.
