Osun 2026: Adeleke urges voters to reject APC, warns of return to “half salary” era
Ademola Adeleke
Abdullateef Fowewe
Osun State Governor and Accord Party governorship candidate, Ademola Adeleke, has called on voters to reject the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the August 15 election, warning that a return of the party would bring back what he described as the “dark days” of half salaries and food insecurity for civil servants.
In a post on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, Adeleke framed the upcoming governorship poll as a decisive choice between continued progress under his administration and a reversion to policies he claims “weaponised poverty” during previous APC governance in the state.
He urged Osun residents to “brace up for just a few more days” as the election approaches, mobilising support by highlighting improvements in worker welfare under his tenure while accusing the opposition of seeking to “inflict more pain” if returned to power.
Adeleke further warned about the hardships he says civil servants endured under the APC, alleging that workers were once reduced to begging neighbours for food due to delayed and truncated salary payments.
He wrote, “We will not allow APC to take Osun back to the days when civil servants had to beg their neighbours for food.
“Those who once weaponized poverty by paying workers half salaries, leaving civil servants to struggle to feed their families, and denying our people access to basic necessities are desperate to return to inflict more pain.
“We must never go back to those dark days.
“On August 15, I urge every eligible voter to send a clear and resounding message that Osun has chosen the path of progress, compassion, and good governance.
“Together, we will protect the mandate of the people and keep Osun moving forward ACCORDINGLY.”
In a separate statement, the governor defended his administration’s record, saying, “APC’s disdain for civil servants is well known in Osun State. Since I became governor, I have made the welfare of our workers and the people of Osun State a top priority.”
Pre-election tensions intensify
The governor’s remarks reflect heightened pre-election tensions in Osun, where the August 15 poll has pitted Adeleke against strong opposition from the APC and other contenders.
While Adeleke seeks a second term under the Accord Party banner, the APC has countered with its own claims and allegations, including accusations of vote-buying and attempts to use state machinery against opposition structures.
Adeleke’s campaign has repeatedly emphasised prompt salary payments, pension regularisation, and settlement of arrears as key achievements, contrasting them with what he describes as the “half-salary regime” of the past.
The APC, meanwhile, has argued that some architects of that era now serve in his administration, a claim it has used to challenge the governor’s narrative.
