The Special Adviser on Political Matters to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, Muniru Raji, has described former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola as the “easiest opponent to defeat” ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.
Raji, in a sharp dismissal of the APC’s strength in the state, said Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, poses no threat to the PDP.
He said, “Adegboyega Oyetola is the easiest candidate to defeat in any gubernatorial election. If the APC decides to make him their flag bearer, I assure you that Governor Adeleke will defeat him soundly once again.
“Governor Ademola Adeleke defeated him in 2022. If he comes out again in 2026, Governor Adeleke will defeat him once again.”
Amidst recent rumours suggesting Governor Adeleke might defect to the APC after publicly endorsing President Bola Tinubu for re-election in 2027, Raji made it clear that Adeleke remains loyal to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Raji said, “Adeleke will contest again under the PDP in 2026. “He did not meet with any APC members. There is no plan to defect. Adeleke is staying put in the PDP.”
He said, “Defection is normal. But I want you to know that when Adeleke became governor, the PDP did not have any elected political office holder in office, but the APC.
“The elected political office holders are not as important as the electorate. They have been backing Adeleke since 2018, 2022, and even now, ahead of the 2026 governorship election, we have their solid backing.”