Osun 2026: APC Candidate Too Weak to Win Even Four LGs — Salam Blasts Oyebamiji

A member of the Housey of Representatives representing Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo Federal Constituency, Bamidele Salam, has taken a swipe at the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji, describing him as politically weak and incapable of winning even four local government areas in the forthcoming August 15 governorship election.

Salam made the remarks during an appearance on Channels Television, where he expressed confidence that the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, would be re-elected based on his performance and growing acceptance among the people of the state.

According to him, the electorate in Osun are prepared to renew Adeleke’s mandate, insisting that the governor has delivered on his promises since assuming office in 2022.

“Governor Adeleke has justified the mandate given to him and has earned even greater acceptability than when he defeated the incumbent in 2022. Anyone committed to the welfare of the people will be proud to associate with his administration,” Salam said.

He further dismissed the chances of the APC candidate, stating that Oyebamiji lacks the political strength to secure victory even in his stronghold.

“They can continue to parade titles, but perhaps even the President is not aware that the APC has presented a weak candidate. He cannot deliver his own local government, Irewole. I doubt if they can win up to four local governments in Osun,” he added.

On the recent redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Salam described the move as suspicious and politically motivated.

He argued that such a decision, taken in the middle of election preparations, raises concerns about neutrality and due process.

“When a REC is already preparing for an election, it is questionable to transfer such an official without clear justification. The action appears partisan and ill-informed,” he stated.

Salam also took aim at the Director-General of the APC governorship campaign, Wole Oke, accusing him of being disconnected from developments in the state.

According to the lawmaker, several infrastructure projects currently ongoing across Osun, including road and bridge constructions, are clear evidence of the Adeleke administration’s commitment to development.

He challenged Oke to a public assessment tour across the state to verify the claims.

“I am ready to sponsor a statewide tour for both of us, with media coverage, to let the people see the reality on ground and determine who is telling the truth,” Salam said.

He added that if the opposition is dissatisfied with the ongoing development in major towns such as Osogbo, Ede, and Ile-Ife, they should openly campaign against such progress before the electorate.