Osun Election Shocker: Police Investigate Crimes, APC Vows Review, Adeleke Slams False Alliances

Following the conclusion of the Osun State governorship election, various political actors have responded to the outcome and its associated events. Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has publicly refuted claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the party assisted him in securing re-election. The governor firmly stated that there was no electoral deal or partnership with the ADC at any point during the governorship election.

This denial came after Bolaji Abdullahi, the National Publicity Secretary of the ADC, suggested on Trust TV that the ADC had deliberately collaborated with the Accord Party during the August 15 election to prevent the All Progressives Congress (APC) from reclaiming power. Abdullahi explained that this strategic alliance was formed to avoid splitting anti-APC votes, which could have inadvertently facilitated an APC victory. However, Governor Adeleke, through his spokesperson Mallam Olawale Rasheed, credited his re-election to divine intervention and the people of Osun State, asserting that the ADC was not part of the coalition that supported his bid. While acknowledging collaboration with other political partners who made sacrifices for the aspirations of Osun people, Adeleke reiterated that the ADC was unequivocally excluded from any such alliance, declaring his commitment to being a governor for all Osun people, irrespective of political affiliations.

Meanwhile, Engr. John Adesuyi, the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) candidate in the same election, congratulated Governor Adeleke on his victory and called for inclusive governance to ensure greater performance for the state. In a statement, Adesuyi emphasized that building a better Osun State should now take precedence over political differences, advocating for collective responsibility for the state's success. He specifically offered the ZLP's cooperation in implementing proposed initiatives, such as creating 50,000 employment opportunities through the Agricultural Value Chain, infrastructural interventions, and other development programs, affirming his party's readiness to contribute ideas and expertise.

Adding to the post-election discourse, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), broke his silence to express respect for the Independent National Electoral Commission's (INEC) position on the election results. Nevertheless, Oyebamiji unequivocally supported his party's decision to review the outcome of the election. He extended gratitude to his supporters for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice throughout the campaign, cherishing their belief in the prosperity agenda he presented to the people of Osun.

However, Oyebamiji also drew the attention of the State Government and security agencies to a concerning trend of hostility and violence against APC members and supporters in the post-election period. He urged the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to intervene immediately to curb these attacks, which he noted had intensified since the election. Despite the electoral outcome, Oyebamiji reaffirmed his dedication to the values and causes he championed, pledging to continue working for the effective, inclusive, and rapid development of Osun State.

Separately, a significant pre-election incident involving the arrest of 146 suspected electoral mercenaries and a serving member of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Abiola Ibrahim Inaolaji, has taken a new turn. The arrests occurred on the eve of the 2026 governorship election during an operation at the lawmaker’s residence in Ikire. During this operation, more than 200 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were reportedly recovered.

Days after the election, the whereabouts and legal status of the 146 suspects, as well as the specific details about the recovered PVCs—such as their ownership, the constituencies involved, or how they came into the possession of those arrested—remain undisclosed by the police. The Osun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abiodun Ojelabi, directed all inquiries regarding the case to an Intelligence Rapid Squad (IRS) deployed from Abuja, stating that this Abuja-based squad conducted the operation and is therefore best positioned to provide information.

This development leaves the Abuja IRS as the primary source for details on one of the largest reported pre-election arrests in the state. The police have described the arrested individuals as suspected electoral mercenaries but have not publicly disclosed the specific election-related criminal activities they allegedly committed or facilitated, nor whether any suspects have been formally charged, released, or remain in custody. Similarly, the specific allegations against Hon. Inaolaji, evidence linking him to the other suspects, or his current legal status and whereabouts have not been made public. The status of the over 200 recovered PVCs also remains unclear, with no information on whether they are being treated as evidence, if their owners have been identified, or their connection to any alleged offenses. This situation persists despite previous warnings from the Commissioner of Police deployed to Osun, CP Samuel Etaifo, that individuals arrested for election-related crimes would be held accountable in Abuja.

With the election now concluded, the two leading political parties have appealed to the Nigeria Police Force to release their members held in connection with the election. For now, the Osun Police Command's directive points to the Abuja-based IRS for all further information, leaving many crucial details about these significant arrests unresolved and publicly undisclosed.