Osun 2026: PDP, APC bicker over intent to kick off campaign by Oyetola

By Christiana Ekpa

The Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in Osun State has alleged that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola is planning to hijack the SMEDAN programme coming up in Osogbo as a launch pad for his 2026 political campaign.
The allegation by the Osun PDP is contained in a statement by its Chairman, Sunday Bisi yesterday in Osogbo.
While calling on President Bola Tinubu to call Oyetola, who was a former governor of the state to order, Bisi advised him against starting any political campaign.
In his words, “Any attempt to start the 2026 campaign in contravention of the Electoral Act is unacceptable. As Mr. President is working hard to deliver at the federal level, so has Governor Adeleke assumed the appellation of Mr Performer. This is the time for governance.
“We had thought Oyetola would work hard to redeem his image as a low-rated former governor but his records so far at the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy confirmed that he cannot meet up with 21st-century good governance requirements, hence his lack of focus and failure to match up with his federal mandate.
“We urge the former Governor to redeem himself before it is too late by delivering on his mandate as a Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. He should allow Osun people to enjoy good governance, which he denied while at the helm of affairs.”
Reacting to the allegation, the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC in a statement by its Chairman, Tajudeen Lawal said since there was no contest in sight, there was no need for talks about violations of the Electoral Act.
According to Lawal, “Why is it that Adeleke and his co-travellers are always feeling jittery at the sight and shadow of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy?
“If indeed the Governor Adeleke administration was performing, the governor and the party have nothing to fear. From their malicious statement, it is clear they are already afraid of the APC when 2026 is still very far away.
“Oyetola is too decent a man to use his attendance at the SMEDAN function as the Special Guest of Honour to launch any political activity,” Lawal concluded.