The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has rejected Governor Ademola Adeleke’s allegations of political persecution by President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, describing the claims as baseless and a desperate attempt to justify an impending electoral defeat.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC accused Adeleke of making frivolous allegations after claiming at a campaign rally that the President and Oyetola were responsible for his political challenges ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The party argued that the governor’s claims of political victimisation, despite the Accord Party’s endorsement of Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, were misplaced and unsupported by evidence.

The APC also faulted Adeleke’s accusation that the police had become compromised, insisting that the governor, as the state’s chief security officer, should instead explain the recurring security challenges in Osun.

According to the party, Adeleke had failed to address allegations that political thugs were being harboured and rewarded with appointments under his administration. It further questioned reports of amnesty allegedly granted to convicted political thugs, describing the move as suspicious.

The APC maintained that Adeleke’s repeated warnings about election rigging and political violence were aimed at whipping up public sympathy ahead of the poll.

The party also dismissed the governor’s allegation that Osun’s funds were being withheld and his call for President Tinubu to caution Oyetola, describing the remarks as incoherent and lacking factual basis.

Expressing confidence in its chances at the polls, the APC said its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), was well-positioned to win the election, insisting that the outcome would reflect the will of the people.

The party urged Adeleke to prepare for what it described as a free, fair and credible governorship election instead of making allegations against political opponents.