By Peace Erewunmi

The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, has urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to focus on an issues-based campaign ahead of the August 15 governorship election, rather than making allegations against political opponents.

Basiru made the call while reacting to comments by Governor Adeleke during a recent campaign rally, where the governor alleged political intimidation, killings and possible election manipulation. He said the APC believes the election should be contested on the basis of performance, policies and ideas instead of accusations and fear.

The APC scribe challenged the governor to present his administration’s achievements to the electorate if he was seeking a second term. He argued that the people of Osun should be allowed to assess the performance of the current administration and make their choice at the polls without distractions from unverified allegations.

Basiru also dismissed claims that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola were responsible for the governor’s political challenges, describing the allegations as baseless. He maintained that President Tinubu remains committed to conducting a free, fair and credible election in Osun State.

With the governorship election drawing closer, political campaigns have intensified across the state, with the APC and the Accord Party exchanging accusations over security and governance. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to conduct the election on August 15, 2026.