Osun Poll: Oyebamiji Rejects Claims of Tinubu-Adeleke Deal as Baseless
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the August 15 governorship election in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, has strongly refuted allegations that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for re-election. Through his media team, the Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) Media Fronts, Oyebamiji described these claims as unfounded and politically motivated, aimed at misleading the public.
Statement Dismissing Alleged Pact
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the group's Coordinator, Adebayo Adedeji, Oyebamiji categorically denied reports suggesting a pact between President Tinubu and Governor Adeleke. He characterized the rumor, allegedly spread by associates of the Osun State Government, as a calculated effort to deceive voters and bolster what he termed a declining public perception of the current administration.
"We state unequivocally that this claim is false, unfounded, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the people of Osun State. It is nothing more than a desperate move to shore up the image of an administration that has failed to deliver purposeful and effective leadership," the statement asserted.
Criticism of Adeleke's Leadership
Oyebamiji further claimed that President Tinubu lacks confidence in Adeleke's governance, citing the alleged rejection of overtures by the governor to defect to the APC. He criticized the administration for what he described as a lack of transparency and accountability, accusing it of poor performance in key areas.
The APC candidate noted that he recently met with President Tinubu, during which he outlined his vision for Osun State's development. He emphasized that his policy direction aligns with the President's "Renewed Hope Agenda," particularly in sectors such as education, agriculture, and infrastructure.
"President Tinubu will not abandon a loyal and credible party man for a candidate seeking an undeserved second term," the statement added.
Highlighting Past Achievements
Oyebamiji also pointed to his tenure as Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), where he claimed to have reduced waterway accidents and fatalities by 73 percent and increased the agency's revenue by over 100 percent within two years. He argued that these achievements demonstrate his capacity for effective leadership, contrasting it with what he called the current administration's "waste and misplaced priorities."
He insisted that any claims of a political alliance between President Tinubu and Governor Adeleke exist only in "the imagination of those peddling falsehood."
