Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued a threat of a N5 billion defamation lawsuit against the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in response to allegations that a chieftain of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is planning a violent attack ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The APC’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, referenced a viral video where an unnamed PDP member purportedly discussed bombing the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State. Olabisi claimed that the individual expressed concerns about the PDP’s chances in the upcoming election, stating, “It is the example of what the APC would do in Osun State that it did in Edo State last week.”
The APC’s statement included alarming remarks attributed to the PDP chieftain, suggesting a strategy involving “bomb-laced helicopters” to carry out attacks that could result in numerous casualties, including electoral officials. The comments raised serious concerns about potential violence surrounding the electoral process.
Olabisi criticized both Adeleke and the PDP leadership for not condemning the video, stating that their silence implicated them in the alleged plot. He called on the Inspector-General of Police to investigate the matter to prevent any potential violence during the elections.
In response, Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson for Governor Adeleke, characterized Olabisi’s claims as “irresponsible” and “defamatory.” Rasheed demanded a retraction of the statements and warned that failure to do so could result in a lawsuit for damages amounting to N5 billion. He emphasized that Governor Adeleke had not plotted any attack on INEC or its officials.
“This deliberate falsehood will have consequences,” Rasheed stated, adding that the APC’s threats to disrupt the upcoming elections were well-documented. He reaffirmed Adeleke’s commitment to a peaceful electoral process, insisting that the PDP enjoys strong support from the people of Osun State.
The escalating tensions between the APC and PDP in Osun State highlight the increasingly contentious political atmosphere as the 2026 governorship election approaches. Both parties are now poised for potential legal battles and heightened scrutiny from law enforcement regarding election-related violence.
