Osun 2026: PDP, APC argue about Oyetola’s intention to launch campaign

By Hannah Nathan,Warri

The Osun State branch of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has claimed that Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, is preparing to use the next SMEDAN program in Osogbo as a springboard for his 2026 presidential campaign.

The Osun PDP made the claim in a statement made by its chairman, Sunday Bisi, and was released to newsmen in Osogbo on Monday.

Meanwhile, Bisi had advised President Bola Tinubu to call Oyetola, the former state governor, to order, as he cautioned him from launching a political campaign.

The statement reads, “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.”

Faulting the accusation, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun state chapter issued a statement led by Tajudeen Lawal, stating that since there was no contest scheduled, there was no need to discuss any electoral act infractions.

Lawal asks, “Why does Adeleke and his traveling companions usually get nervous when they see and shadow 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.