The governorship debate in Osun State turned combative on Tuesday as APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji challenged Governor Ademola Adeleke to account for about N650 billion in federal allocations allegedly received by his administration, while the governor declared that he was a “bulldozer” who could not be intimidated by federal might.
The confrontation unfolded at the ARISE News Governorship Town Hall in Osogbo ahead of Saturday’s election, where Adeleke of Accord, Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, APC, and African Democratic Congress, ADC, candidate Najeem Salaam defended their records and presented their plans for the state.
Oyebamiji questioned what he described as the huge increase in resources available to Adeleke since assuming office.
According to the APC candidate, the administrations of former governors Rauf Aregbesola and Gboyega Oyetola received about N450 billion in federal allocations during 12 years, while Adeleke’s government had received about N650 billion in roughly three and a half years.
“How does N650 billion match what we see in Osun today?” Oyebamiji asked.
He further alleged that 97 per cent of the resources of the current administration were concentrated in just two local government areas, describing the situation as an “aberration”.
Oyebamiji also disputed claims that Adeleke inherited an empty treasury from Oyetola.
He maintained that the former governor left about N15 billion for the incoming administration and accused the Adeleke government of presenting a misleading account of the state’s finances.
The APC candidate said Osun residents were ready for a change of government, declaring himself confident of victory on August 15.
“I am convinced beyond reasonable doubt that our people in Osun are ready for a change. I’m coming here as the incoming governor of Osun, come August 15, 2026,” he said.
Oyebamiji also dismissed allegations that the Federal Government was preparing to deploy “federal might” to secure victory for the APC.
He said he had travelled across all 30 local government areas of Osun three times during his campaign without encountering evidence supporting the allegation.
His comments followed Adeleke’s declaration that he was not afraid of the influence of the Federal Government or APC governors backing Oyebamiji.
“I am a bulldozer. I am talk and do. I am not afraid of federal might and governors backing the APC candidate. If they like, they should bring all the governors,” Adeleke said.
The governor insisted that visiting APC governors would have no power to determine the outcome of the election because they would not be voting.
“Those governors are my friends. I am a civilised administrator. They won’t vote; they can only come and dance, and after the election, we will meet,” he said.
Adeleke also rejected allegations that his administration had militarised Osun ahead of the poll, stressing that only President Bola Tinubu, as Commander-in-Chief, could deploy the Armed Forces.
He defended his record in office, citing investments in roads, healthcare, agriculture and security.
According to Adeleke, his administration had constructed about 350 kilometres of roads, with another 160 kilometres under construction, while about 200 primary healthcare centres had been rehabilitated.
He also defended his penchant for dancing, saying it had not affected his ability to govern.
“I am a very prudent person and a very serious person. Nobody will stop me from dancing. As I am dancing, I am working. Dancing is a hobby that doesn’t disturb or affect my work,” Adeleke said.
Asked whether he would congratulate another candidate if he lost Saturday’s election, the governor dismissed the possibility.
“Forget about it. I’m not going to lose this election because I’m so confident,” he said.
ADC candidate Najeem Salaam, meanwhile, warned that political violence and the proliferation of weapons posed serious threats to the state.
Salaam positioned himself as the candidate capable of restoring peace, saying Osun residents were tired of political thuggery.
“Osun people do not want thuggery again because they see us as the most peaceful party. They also know the only candidate that can bring peace is Najeem Salaam and the only party that can bring peace is the ADC,” he said.
The former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly warned that electing either of his major rivals could worsen political confrontation.
“Osun people know that if they give it to A or B, they will fight. I can tell you that Osun is filled with thuggery and ammunition. So, we will bring peace,” Salaam said.
He promised to build on the achievements of previous administrations while correcting what he described as existing failures.
Salaam also touted his experience in governance and academic background, stressing that his doctorate in political science was earned rather than honorary.
The ADC candidate said his proposed administration would be people-centred and driven by a 10-point agenda designed to improve human development and governance.
With campaigning entering its final stretch, the exchanges at the town hall underscored the increasingly bitter contest between Adeleke, Oyebamiji and Salaam ahead of Saturday’s governorship election.
