The Osun State chapter of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) clashed on Monday over the call by the opposition party to remove Governor Ademola Adeleke from office in the 2026 governorship election.
In a statement signed by NNPP chairman, Dr. Tosin Odeyemi, the party criticized Adeleke’s governance, alleging that it lacked direction and was focused on personal gain rather than the state’s development.
Odeyemi stated, “Osun deserves better than the present governor. We need a leader with vast knowledge about governance who can rise above political sentiments and truly serve the people.”
He urged political parties to collaborate in presenting the best candidate for the upcoming elections, warning that failing to do so would harm the state’s prosperity.
However, the Osun State PDP swiftly responded, dismissing Odeyemi’s claims as unfounded and asserting that he lacked the necessary experience to accurately assess Adeleke’s performance.
The PDP emphasized the governor’s achievements, which they argued contradicted the NNPP’s accusations.
The ruling party, in a statement signed by its Director of Media and Publicity, Oladele Bamiji, pointed out that Adeleke’s administration had successfully completed over 200 kilometres of road construction, including the state’s first flyover in Ilé-Ifè, and had worked to address the traffic issues in Osogbo with the construction of a dual carriageway and two additional flyovers.
They Aaaaaaa also highlighted Adeleke’s efforts in clearing salary arrears of the state workforce, amounting to billions of naira, as well as implementing a free health insurance scheme for pensioners and persons with disabilities.
The PDP further stressed that Adeleke’s government had rehabilitated and equipped over 200 health centres to cater to the healthcare needs of the people at the grassroots level.
“If Odeyemi cannot acknowledge these strides, it is clear he is blinded by political bitterness,” the statement read.
The PDP reaffirmed its confidence that Adeleke would continue to enjoy the support of the people of Osun, stating that the governor’s focus would remain on delivering quality services and projects to improve the state.
They also made it clear that Adeleke would not be distracted by political attacks and would continue to work for the betterment of Osun.
With the 2026 election fast approaching, the political rivalry between the NNPP and PDP is intensifying, as both parties vie for control of Osun State’s future leadership.
The PUNCH
