Osun, Ekiti Governorship Races Intensify as APC, PDP, ADC Trade Claims Ahead of 2026 Polls

 

Political activities are gathering momentum in Osun and Ekiti states as major parties—the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC)—position themselves ahead of the 2026 governorship elections.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed the Ekiti governorship election for June 20, 2026, while Osun State voters are expected to go to the polls on August 8, 2026.

The PDP has expressed strong confidence in reclaiming power in both states. Speaking with Sunday PUNCH, the party’s National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, described Osun and Ekiti as traditional PDP territories and said residents were eager for a change from the ruling APC.

According to Turaki, voters have experienced governance under both parties and are now convinced that the PDP offers better leadership. He maintained that if the elections are conducted transparently, PDP candidates would emerge victorious in both states, citing growing dissatisfaction with the APC-led administration.

Turaki added that the party has regained strength nationally and enjoys increasing public goodwill, noting that many Nigerians are hopeful for PDP’s return to power at both state and federal levels.

Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress has also declared its readiness to make a major impact. The ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, said the party has a solid grassroots presence in Osun and Ekiti, boosted by the influence of its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, who hails from Osun State.

Rufai stated that the ADC remains attractive to politicians and voters alike due to its internal stability and growing support base. He attributed the party’s optimism to public frustration with APC policies, including economic challenges and rising public debt, which he said have negatively affected citizens.

He expressed confidence that the ADC would not only perform strongly but could also secure victory in both governorship contests.

However, the APC has dismissed the claims by both opposition parties. The party’s Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, insisted that the ruling party remains firmly in control and is on track to retain Ekiti State while reclaiming Osun.

Ibrahim argued that the APC’s performance under President Bola Tinubu has improved public confidence, adding that internal crises and defections within opposition parties weaken their chances. He said Nigerians are capable of making informed decisions and would not be swayed by what he described as “baseless claims.”

According to him, political developments on the ground indicate growing acceptance of the APC, stressing that the party prefers quiet, strategic governance rather than public disputes.