Osun 2026: Olajengbesi Condemns Oke's Warning to Opposition Voters as Threat
Reactions have erupted following a video where Wole Oke, the Director General of the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign team for the August 15, 2026, governorship election in Osun State, issued a stern warning to those not aligned with President Bola Tinubu and the APC. In the footage, Oke addressed party supporters in his hometown of Esa Oke on Wednesday, stating that individuals outside Tinubu's camp should bear the consequences of their actions.
Oke, who has represented Obokun-Oriade in the House of Representatives for 24 years, emphasized his allegiance by saying, "Whoever is not in Tinubu's camp should bear the consequences of his or her action. I won't say more than that. I am in Tinubu's camp." This statement has ignited controversy, with opposition figures interpreting it as a direct threat to voters ahead of the crucial August poll.
Opposition Backlash and Social Media Reactions
Accord Party chieftain Pelumi Olajengbesi, who shared the video on Facebook, strongly criticized Oke's remarks, labeling them as empty threats aimed at intimidating voters. Olajengbesi asserted, "In Esa Oke, Wole Oke's hometown, when he was to campaign, all he could do was send empty threat signals to the people. We will gladly prove this in the coming election to Wole Oke that in Ijesaland, the people will vote and their votes will count."
The video has spurred widespread condemnation on social media, with users expressing their disapproval of what they perceive as coercive tactics. Fawole Tajudeen commented, "No amount of threats can change people's direction. The campaign of calumny and threats is counterproductive." Similarly, Aderonke Gbadamosi noted, "Osun voters are civil and not blind to development. Empty threats cannot stop the masses from voting."
Other reactions included Damilare Adeniyi stating, "The power of the masses surpasses all these threats. We shall vote massively to ensure the continuity of good governance in Osun State," and Gbenga Ajiboso adding, "Resorting to intimidation and fear tactics only shows a lack of genuine connection with the people, but Osun voters cannot be bullied." Saheed Junaid remarked, "Any politician who resorts to threatening people with federal or presidential influence only exposes his weakness," while Agboola Eri-Ola called for police attention regarding the video.
Election Context and Key Contenders
In the upcoming governorship election, APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji will be among the contenders challenging incumbent Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party, who is seeking re-election. This political showdown is set against a backdrop of heightened tensions, with Oke's comments fueling debates over voter intimidation and democratic integrity in Osun State.
The incident underscores the volatile nature of the pre-election period, as parties vie for support in a closely watched race. Observers note that such statements could influence voter sentiment and campaign strategies, potentially impacting the outcome of the August 15 poll.
