Political Landscape Heats Up: APC, PDP, and ADC Vie for Control in Osun and Ekiti Gubernatorial Races
The political arena is buzzing with anticipation as the gubernatorial elections in Osun and Ekiti States draw nearer. The established titans, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), are locked in a fierce battle for dominance, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) asserts its readiness to emerge as a significant force, potentially reshaping the electoral outcomes in both states. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has slated the governorship election for Osun State on August 8, 2026, and for Ekiti State on June 20, 2026.
PDP’s Confident Stance: A Return to Strongholds
The Peoples Democratic Party has expressed a strong conviction that it will reclaim control of both Osun and Ekiti States. Tanimu Turaki, the National Chairman of the PDP, articulated this confidence, emphasizing that these states have historically been PDP strongholds. He believes that the electorate in these states, and indeed across Nigeria, has grown weary of the All Progressives Congress administration.
Turaki elaborated on the party’s optimism, stating:
- “As you see, the two states, Osun and Ekiti, have always been strongholds of the PDP. They are yearning for the return of the PDP, and they will have what it takes. PDP is now a very formidable party. People are yearning for the return of the party at the national level and across all states.”
He further highlighted the perceived dissatisfaction with the current ruling party:
- “In Osun State and in Ekiti State, they want the party to be in power. We are sure that under a free, fair, and credible election, our candidates in these states will emerge victorious. Because people have now seen the difference between an APC government and a PDP government—they have tested the two. They know that the PDP is better.”
The PDP National Chairman concluded by reiterating the party’s belief in its electoral prospects:
- “So, we are confident that our candidates will win these two elections. They are tired of the APC administration. They are not interested in other political parties but PDP. So we have a lot of optimism and confidence that we will win.”
ADC’s Bold Ambitions: Leveraging Key Alliances
The African Democratic Congress is positioning itself as a formidable contender, with its National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, suggesting that the party is poised for significant success. Rufai indicated that with the backing of the party’s National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, who hails from Osun State, the ADC is set to not only take control in Osun but also deliver a strong performance in Ekiti.
Rufai detailed the ADC’s perceived strength and strategic advantages:
- “Yes. We are very strong in Osun and Ekiti. As you know, our National Secretary is from Osun, and the party is so strong that it stands on its ground—even the incumbent governor wanted to join the party. Because of the strong support base we have and the opportunities we see, we maintain our party stands.”
He expressed strong hopes for the upcoming elections:
- “So, we are very hopeful that Osun and Ekiti State governorship elections will be good for ADC. Our party will perform well and even win. We are going to have victory in those states.”
When questioned about the reasons for this optimism, Rufai pointed to widespread public discontent with the APC:
- “Is it because Nigerians or these states are tired of the APC administration? Nigerians are tired of the APC. And that is a well-known fact. The inhuman policies that the government is introducing, also the unwanted borrowing by the government that is not yielding benefits for the right citizens—these are factors that work to our advantage. So, we are hopeful.”
APC’s Rebuttal: Confidence in Achievements and Incumbency
In response to the claims made by the PDP and ADC, the All Progressives Congress has dismissed their assertions, expressing unwavering confidence in its ability to secure victory. Bala Ibrahim, the APC Director of Publicity, argued that neither the ADC nor the PDP possesses the necessary strength or appeal to win the governorship elections.
Ibrahim challenged the opposition’s claims of widespread rejection of the APC:
- “What is their yardstick for saying Nigerians reject our party when they are actually leaving their own parties? What is the yardstick for saying that they are going to beat our party when they are being beaten? What is the yardstick they use in showing strength in what they do when they are manifesting weaknesses by exiting the party that put them in office?”
He attributed the APC’s anticipated success to the tangible achievements of President Bola Tinubu’s administration and the party’s internal stability:
- “I don’t know. Nigerians are not fools. They use reasoning to arrive at any decision they make. And these people are making foolish mistakes. APC will win those states, retain Ekiti, and win Osun. You see, all the indices on the ground are showing increased acceptance.”
The APC spokesperson further emphasized the party’s approach to governance and electoral campaigns:
- “What they fail to understand is that we work silently for peace—and we are winning, whereas they are always having problems that they cannot fix.”
As the election dates approach, the political landscape in Osun and Ekiti States promises to be dynamic and closely contested, with each party employing its unique strategies and narratives to win over voters.
