The NNPP and PDP clash over Osun State Governor Adeleke’s leadership as calls for his removal grow ahead of the 2026 election

[dropcap]P[/dropcap]olitical tensions are mounting in Osun State as the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) exchange strong words over the performance and future of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

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The NNPP, in a statement released Monday by its state chairman, Dr Tosin Odeyemi, criticised Adeleke’s administration as directionless and self-serving, calling for his removal in the 2026 governorship election.

“We need a leader with vast knowledge about governance who can rise above political sentiments and truly serve the people,” Odeyemi stated, while urging opposition parties to unite behind a more capable candidate to rescue the state’s development.

In a swift rebuttal, the PDP defended Governor Adeleke’s record, dismissing the NNPP’s allegations as politically motivated and baseless.

“We need a leader with vast knowledge about governance who can rise above political sentiments and truly serve the people.” – Dr Tosin Odeyemi

Oladele Bamiji, the party’s Director of Media and Publicity, said Odeyemi lacked the experience to assess Adeleke’s governance accurately.

Bamiji cited multiple achievements of the Adeleke administration, including the successful construction of over 200 kilometres of roads, the state’s first flyover in Ilé-Ifè, and infrastructure upgrades such as a dual carriageway and two new flyovers in Osogbo.

He also highlighted Adeleke’s social welfare policies, such as the clearing of salary arrears worth billions of naira, a free health insurance scheme for pensioners and persons with disabilities, and the rehabilitation of over 200 health centres across the state.

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As political debates heat up ahead of 2026, both parties appear poised for a showdown over Osun’s leadership direction, with Adeleke’s legacy and the state’s future at the centre of the storm.