The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has criticised the launch of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election campaign, describing the turnout at the event as a sign of what it called declining public support for the governor ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, the APC argued that expectations surrounding the campaign launch did not match the attendance recorded at the event in Osogbo, the state capital.
The opposition party claimed that extensive publicity ahead of the programme had created expectations of a large gathering but alleged that attendance fell short of projections.
According to the APC, the turnout suggested that Governor Adeleke’s political influence may not be as strong as widely portrayed.
The party further alleged that disagreements broke out among some attendees over mobilisation arrangements around areas close to the campaign venue, although no official confirmation of such incidents was provided.
The APC also referenced the recent Federal High Court ruling that reportedly directed the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister the Accord Party and several other political parties.
However, the party acknowledged that the Court of Appeal has since granted a stay of execution of the judgment pending further legal proceedings.
The statement argued that recent legal developments had created uncertainty around Adeleke’s re-election plans and accused political associates of taking advantage of the governor’s determination to secure another term.
The APC additionally dismissed the significance of endorsements and defections announced during the campaign event, claiming they did not represent substantial political gains.
Drawing comparisons with a recent political mobilisation exercise held in Ile-Ife, the opposition party maintained that support for its own governorship campaign remains stronger across the state.
The party also criticised comments credited to Governor Adeleke expressing confidence that his party would appear on the ballot, arguing that the matter remains subject to legal determination.
Despite its criticism, the APC urged political actors and supporters to remain peaceful and allow legal and democratic processes to run their course.