Osun PDP Slams APC Over Criticism of Governor Adeleke’s Endorsements, Defends Achievements

The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has dismissed the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC)’s recent criticism of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election endorsements, calling the attack baseless and a sign of desperation.

In a statement released on Monday, Osun PDP Chairman Sunday Bisi accused the APC of rejecting the people’s democratic will and urged the opposition party to acknowledge the overwhelming public support for Governor Adeleke. Bisi stated that no amount of propaganda could erase the fact that the people of Osun are solidly behind their governor.

“The APC must purge itself of the arrogance of not recognizing the will of the people. No matter how much they attempt to spin the narrative, the people of Osun are in full support of Governor Adeleke,” Bisi asserted.

The PDP chairman emphasized the governor’s achievements in office, particularly in key infrastructural projects such as roads and bridges. Bisi pointed out that the challenges the Adeleke administration is addressing are a result of the previous APC-led government’s failures.

“Osun residents are not blind to the progress being made,” Bisi said. He also dismissed the APC’s claims about teacher disengagement, stating that the opposition failed to provide evidence of any alleged sack letters.

Bisi further outlined the improvements in education and healthcare under Adeleke’s administration. He highlighted the rehabilitation of over 100 public schools and the upcoming deployment of newly recruited teachers. In healthcare, Bisi pointed to the rehabilitation and equipping of about 200 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) with essential services. He criticized the APC for mismanaging a $20.5 million World Bank grant meant for health infrastructure, calling it ironic that those responsible for such neglect are now attacking the current administration’s progress.

The APC had earlier criticized Adeleke’s recent endorsements for his re-election, with Kola Olabisi, the APC’s Director of Media and Information, stating that endorsements could not salvage what he called a “purposeless and rudderless” administration. The APC also accused Adeleke’s government of mismanaging state resources, particularly criticizing the accommodation of lawmakers in hotels due to inadequate planning during the renovation of their official quarters.

Additionally, the APC expressed concerns about the reported dismissal of 1,500 teachers and numerous health workers employed by the previous administration and criticized the lack of new teacher employment in Osun’s public schools. They pointed out that while neighboring states are hiring teachers, Osun has not employed any new educators in over two years.

The exchange between the PDP and APC highlights the growing political tension in Osun State, with both parties staking claims to the state’s progress and future governance.