Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has threatened to file a N5 billion defamation lawsuit against the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) following claims that a chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was plotting a violent attack ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The controversy erupted after the APC’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, referenced a viral video in which an unnamed PDP chieftain allegedly discussed plans to bomb the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Osun State. The video reportedly expressed fears about the PDP’s chances in the upcoming election.
In the video, the chieftain purportedly stated, “It is the example of what the APC would do in Osun State that it did in Edo State last week,” suggesting a violent pre-election strategy.
Olabisi condemned the lack of response from Governor Adeleke and PDP leadership, implying their silence makes them complicit. He called for an investigation by the Inspector-General of Police into the alleged plans for violence, urging that preventive measures should be taken.
In response, Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson for Governor Adeleke, denounced Olabisi’s statements as “irresponsible” and “defamatory.” Rasheed demanded a retraction, warning that failure to do so could result in legal action.
“The allegation is reprehensible and baseless,” Rasheed stated, emphasizing that Adeleke has not plotted any attack against INEC or its officials. He also highlighted that the Osun PDP has strong public support, dismissing the APC’s claims as desperate attempts to undermine the ruling party.
As tensions rise ahead of the 2026 elections, both parties remain locked in a heated exchange, with allegations of violence and defamation at the forefront of the political discourse in Osun State.
