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By Sola Isola
The political landscape in Osun State is currently undergoing a seismic shift as the performance of Governor Ademola Adeleke, who was elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), continues to send shockwaves through the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.
Today, there are four different factions within the Osun APC which are at dagger drawn with internal battles worsening. The four groups include of Oyetola’s Ilerioluwa camp, the Omisore rescue group, Rauf Aregbesola group, and the fourth led by a group of former senators and former Commissioners.
Osun Spring reports that It became national news sometimes ago that the Osun APC members, in one of their WhatsApp groups, admitted that the strategies so far deployed to counter the rising popularity of Governor Adeleke have failed.
An influential leader of the party from Osun East Senatorial district who spoke under the condition of anonymity noted that all anti-Adeleke strategies the APC adopted so far have failed as the Governor is daily gaining the confidence of the public.
“Truth is bitter but let me repeat -we are failing in our approach to Ademola Adeleke. All our tactics are falling flats. Let us agree that man has outsmarted us. We are yet to understand his strengths. The Ede man appears to have finalized his 2026 re-election arrangements.
“Let us go to the drawing boards. The factions are many and real. Let us face the facts. Osun people see us as a party without focus and sincerity. As we daily mock Adeleke, the Man is delivering on various fronts. Osun people are with the Ede man. We have to fashion new strategies”, the leader noted in the quoted WhatsApp message.
Since assuming office, Governor Adeleke has embarked on a series of developmental projects and policy initiatives that have garnered widespread praise from residents of the state. His focus on education, healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment has been particularly notable.
One of the flagship programs of Adeleke’s administration is aimed at revamping the state’s economy and improving the living standards of its citizens. Under this plan, significant investments have been made in agriculture, technology, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which have contributed to job creation and economic growth.
However, while Governor Adeleke’s performance has endeared him to many Osun State residents, it has deepened the crisis within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The APC, which lost the gubernatorial election to the PDP in a closely contested race, has been grappling with internal divisions and leadership disputes. It would be recalled the party also lost at the apex court.
Prominent APC members have voiced their concerns over the party’s inability to retain power in the state and have been critical of the party’s strategy and leadership. The Governor’s governance and popularity among the electorate have exacerbated these tensions, with some APC members reportedly considering defecting to the PDP.
Some, however, stated that they won’t leave the APC but work for Governor Adeleke to return as Osun Governor for the second term.
In response to these challenges, the APC has embarked on a soul-searching mission, convening meetings and discussions to address the internal discord. Party leaders are aware that they need to present a strong and united front. This has been extremely difficult and been on nought.
As Osun State continues to witness significant developments under the leadership of Governor Adeleke, the APC faces an uphill battle in reconciling its internal differences and rebuilding its political capital. The 2023 elections in the state are anticipated to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing political drama, where the performance of the Governor may play a defining role in shaping the future of Osun State politics.
It is on record that Osun APC approached the 2018 and 2022 gubernatorial polls as a divided house. There were Ilerioluwa (loyalists of the former state governor and now Minister of marine, Gboyega Oyetola) and The Osun Progressives, TOP (loyalists of the former state governor and former Minister of interior, Rauf Aregbesola). Members of the then TOP were vilified and harangued at every opportunity and suddenly became persona non grata within the state chapter of the party. For instance, TOP chairman, Adelowo Adebiyi was suspended by the Elders caucus of the party in the state and Rasaq Salinsile faction of the party was recognized in favour of the Gboyega Famodun (now Owa of Igbajo) faction which supported the then state governor Gboyega Oyetola.
As said by Hon Sunday Bisi, the Osun APC has unsuccessfully been trying to downplay the performance of Governor Ademola Adeleke adding that Osun APC members also know that their denials cannot change the reality of the monumental achievements of Adeleke.
“Sooko Tajudeen Lawal and the remaining members of the distressed opposition in the state were characterized by the Osun PDP Chairman as having a hostile history with the truth. He also noted that the criticism of Governor Adeleke’s praise was bad politics pushed too far.
“The successes of the Adeleke administration are evident to everyone, with the exception of those who consistently deny them, such as Sooko Lawal and his companion, according to Sunday, who stated that Governor Adeleke has achieved enormous strides in the state deserving of the praise that comes his way.
“Mr Tajudeen Lawal would even at times say some achievements Governor Ademola Adeleke claims are either unknowns or belong to Gboyega Oyetola without stating which one in actuality”, he said.
Osun PDP Chairman, Hon Sunday Bisi maintained that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s performances is a source of nightmares to Osun APC – whichever faction!
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