Osun Poll: APC, Adeleke Trade Blows Over Religion Ahead of August Election

A fresh war of words has erupted between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke over religion, less than five weeks before the August 15 governorship election.

The latest exchange followed remarks by the APC deputy governorship candidate, Benjamin Adereti, who accused Governor Adeleke of being a "religious hypocrite" and questioned his religious identity.

Adereti made the comments on Sunday while speaking at the 70th anniversary celebration of Union Baptist Church in Osogbo.

Addressing the congregation, he said the APC was not playing politics with religion, stressing that the party's governorship ticket reflects religious balance.

According to him, the APC's candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, is a Muslim, while he, as the deputy governorship candidate, is a Christian.

"I thank you for the privilege given me to be part of this 70th anniversary celebration. As you all know, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, who is a Muslim, is our governorship candidate in the APC, and I am his deputy and a Christian, unlike the other party, whose governor we don't know whether he is a Christian or a Muslim," Adereti said.

He expressed confidence that the APC would emerge victorious in the August 15 governorship election.

"We are optimistic that the people are with us, and they will vote en masse for our candidate," he added.

Adeleke Defends Record

Governor Adeleke responded by highlighting what he described as his administration's contributions to the Muslim community, insisting that his government's performance should speak louder than political rhetoric.

Speaking during an engagement with members of the Muslim community in Osogbo, the governor challenged the APC to compare its record in office with that of his administration.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said his government had undertaken projects and appointments that demonstrate its commitment to the welfare of Muslims in the state.

"I am happy to report that my administration is almost completing the Hajj Camp to remove the shame on the Ummah. They were in office and did not deem it fit to build the camp for intending pilgrims," the governor said.

"They were in office and claimed to be true Muslims, yet they did not think of building a mosque at the Government House. My administration is building one."

Adeleke also noted that many of his principal officers and cabinet members are Muslims, adding that his administration has ensured fairness in appointments and governance.

"You all know my principal officers and many members of my cabinet are Muslims. I ensure Muslims get their fair share in almost all areas.

"I listed all the above to show what I did that they refused to do when they were in office. You can judge who is a true believer from the work of our hands," he said.

Campaigns Intensify

The exchange comes as political campaigns gather momentum ahead of the Osun governorship election, with parties stepping up efforts to win over key voting blocs across the state.

Religion has increasingly featured in campaign rhetoric in recent weeks, although political observers have urged candidates to focus on governance, development and policy issues rather than divisive narratives.

The August 15 election is expected to be keenly contested, with the APC seeking to reclaim the state from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), while Governor Adeleke is seeking a second term in office.