APC and Governor Ademola Adeleke exchange accusations over religion and governance as the Osun governorship campaign gathers momentum ahead of August 15.
Campaign activities ahead of the August 15 governorship election in Osun State took a fresh turn after the deputy governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Benjamin Adereti, questioned Governor Ademola Adeleke‘s religious identity during a church event, prompting a swift response from the governor, who defended his administration’s relationship with the Muslim community.
The latest exchange has added another layer to an already competitive election season, with both political camps seeking to convince voters that they are better positioned to provide inclusive leadership for the state.
Rather than focusing solely on governance and campaign promises, the discussion has now extended to issues of faith, religious representation and public service.
Adereti made the remarks while speaking at the 70th anniversary celebration of Union Baptist Church in Osogbo.
Addressing worshippers, he thanked the church leadership for the opportunity to participate in the event before turning his attention to the forthcoming governorship election.
According to him, the APC deliberately presented a governorship ticket that reflects religious balance.
He explained that the party’s governorship candidate, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, is a Muslim, while he, as the deputy governorship candidate, is a Christian.
He argued that the arrangement demonstrates the party’s commitment to inclusiveness and transparency.
The APC running mate maintained that the party was not exploiting religion as a political strategy but had ensured that the religious identities of its candidates were clear to the electorate.
He contrasted the APC ticket with that of the ruling administration, claiming that many residents remain uncertain about Governor Adeleke’s religious affiliation.
Adereti alleged that the governor’s religious identity has become a subject of public debate, suggesting that the uncertainty raises questions among voters.
He described the situation as inconsistent and insisted that political leaders should be open about such matters.
While expressing confidence in his party’s chances, Adereti predicted that the APC would emerge victorious at the polls.
He said the campaign had continued to receive positive responses from residents across different parts of Osun State and expressed optimism that voters would support the party in large numbers on election day.
The comments quickly attracted a response from Governor Adeleke, who rejected the criticism and redirected attention to what he described as the practical achievements of his administration for the Muslim community.
Speaking during an engagement with members of the Muslim community in Osogbo, the governor challenged the APC to compare its record in government with that of his administration.
According to him, his government has undertaken several initiatives that demonstrate respect for religious inclusion and support for Muslim faithful.
In a statement released through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said his administration had done more for Muslims in Osun State than previous governments.
He argued that leadership should be evaluated through policies and projects rather than public claims about religious identity.
Among the projects highlighted by the governor was the ongoing construction of a permanent Hajj camp for intending pilgrims.
Adeleke stated that previous administrations had the opportunity to provide such a facility but failed to do so despite being in office for several years.
He said the project is nearing completion and would eliminate the challenges previously experienced by Muslim pilgrims preparing for the annual pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
According to him, the facility represents one of several commitments his administration has made to improve the welfare of the Muslim community.
The governor also referenced the construction of a mosque within the Osun State Government House.
He noted that although past administrations publicly identified with Islam, they did not establish such a place of worship within the seat of government.
He described the project as another demonstration of his administration’s commitment to religious accommodation.
Beyond infrastructure, Adeleke pointed to appointments made under his administration.
He stated that many of his principal officers and cabinet members are Muslims, adding that his government has maintained fairness in appointments and opportunities without discriminating against any religious group.
According to the governor, his administration believes in equal treatment for all residents regardless of their faith. He insisted that governance should remain focused on service delivery and inclusive development rather than political arguments over personal religious identity.
Adeleke further told members of the Muslim community that actions speak louder than declarations.
He urged them to assess his leadership based on the projects completed, policies implemented and opportunities created during his tenure instead of relying on political accusations made by opponents.
The exchange reflects the increasingly intense atmosphere surrounding the Osun governorship campaign as political parties continue to seek support from different segments of the electorate.
Religious issues have historically influenced political conversations in parts of Nigeria, although elections are also shaped by factors such as economic development, infrastructure, education, healthcare and security.
With weeks remaining before voters head to the polls, observers expect campaign rhetoric to intensify as candidates continue presenting their visions for the future of Osun State.
Whether discussions remain centred on governance or shift further toward identity politics could influence public debate throughout the remainder of the campaign.
For many voters, however, the ultimate decision is likely to rest on each candidate’s record, policy proposals and ability to address the everyday challenges facing residents across the state.
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