Osun 2026: Aregbesola Pledges to Dethrone Adeleke, Asserts ADC’s Victory in Gubernatorial Election
Rauf Aregbesola, the interim National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has emphatically stated that his party intends to unseat the current Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, in the forthcoming 2026 governorship election.
Aregbesola, who previously served as Minister of Interior and as a former governor of Osun State, made this proclamation on Sunday at a homecoming solidarity event in Osogbo.
He clarified that his immediate political ambition is not focused on the 2027 general elections but rather on securing victory for the ADC in the 2026 Osun gubernatorial race.
He suggested that the 2026 contest might witness a shift from the presence of three major parties, amid speculation regarding Governor Adeleke’s potential defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
“Our primary concern is the 2026 election in Osun State. We have already commenced preparations for next year’s election,” Aregbesola asserted, urging ADC supporters to enhance grassroots mobilisation efforts.
“Disregard their protests. Our objective should be to seize control of Osun State before the vote on August 8, 2026. They are already aware of their impending departure.”
He further remarked, “Those who recognize my value have entrusted me with this new role, and now they clamor. Their clamor is of no consequence to me — they have yet to witness anything.”
Aregbesola also addressed rumors regarding Adeleke’s political maneuvers: “Initially, they claimed there would be three political parties in Osun State. It is evident he is now defecting. We shall convene in Abere — ADC will triumph in the Osun governorship election in 2026.”
Concerning national politics, Aregbesola criticized the current federal administration, attributing it to the escalating economic difficulties.
“The government that leaves Nigerians hungry should not remain in power. Anyone asserting that Nigeria is better off now is contributing to the problem. It is apparent that the past was more favorable than the present for us as a nation,” he declared. “Since they assumed office, even the rain no longer falls as it once did. Circumstances are deteriorating. We must express our discontent with any government that fails to address our needs.”
