Osun APC Denies PDP’s Allegations Against Oyetola, Labels Claims as Baseless and Politically Motivated

Osun APC Denies PDP’s Allegations Against Oyetola, Labels Claims as Baseless and Politically Motivated

In a swift rebuttal to recent accusations, the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has categorically denied claims by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, is involved in a plot to rig the 2026 governorship election in the state.

The PDP, through its State Chairman, Sunday Bisi, had alleged that Oyetola boasted of plans to rig the forthcoming election using security operatives and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). The opposition party further claimed that Oyetola was plotting to exploit a legal technicality in collaboration with the Attorney General of the Federation to facilitate the release of accumulated local government funds to reinstated APC officials.

However, in a statement released on Tuesday and signed by the APC State Chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, the ruling party in Osun dismissed the allegations as “fabricated, baseless, and politically motivated,” asserting that they were designed to tarnish the reputation of Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and mislead the public.

Lawal maintained that at no point did the former governor make any such threats or claims, either privately or publicly. “We find it most unfortunate and reckless that the PDP has chosen to resort to fear-mongering and propaganda instead of engaging the people of Osun State with any tangible record of governance or developmental strides,” he stated.

Describing the PDP’s statement as a “desperate attempt to distract the public from the incompetence and maladministration of the current government,” Lawal further criticised the opposition party for relying on hearsay and unverified reports to drive its narrative.

He noted that the allegations regarding plans to manipulate INEC and use police to rig the 2026 election were entirely unfounded and reflective of the PDP’s anxiety ahead of the next electoral cycle. “This is nothing but an attempt to stir unnecessary political tension and shift attention away from their own failures,” the APC chairman added.

On the claim that Oyetola was working with the Attorney General of the Federation to provide a legal pathway for APC-reinstated local government officials to access funds, Lawal dismissed it as another fabrication rooted in political mischief.

He stressed that the APC remains committed to democratic principles, lawful conduct, and transparent electoral processes. “The APC in Osun State, under the leadership of Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and with the guidance of our national leadership, will continue to uphold the rule of law and the democratic will of the people. We have no reason to rig any election; our record speaks for us,” he concluded.

As Osun politics heats up in anticipation of the 2026 governorship race, political watchers say such allegations and counter-allegations may become increasingly frequent. However, the public remains eager for issue-based engagements and tangible policy proposals that address the challenges facing the state.

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