Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has said the All Progressives Congress (APC) will win the August 15 Osun State governorship election through its political structure rather than federal influence.
Gatekeepers News reports that Bamidele made the statement on Wednesday while appealing to political actors and residents to ensure a peaceful electoral process.
He dismissed claims by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke that the APC was relying on federal might to defeat him, arguing that the party had become more cohesive and better organised since its defeat in the 2022 election.
According to the Senate leader, the APC’s strengthened political structure, alongside what he described as Adeleke’s strained relationships with some political allies, has placed the party in a stronger position ahead of the poll.
“Unlike 2022, Osun APC is now more cohesive and prepared not just to regain the political control of the state, but also to reposition it for posterity,” he said.
“This cannot be said about Adeleke’s political structure, which ran into turbulence midway into his first administration.”
‘Political Strength, Not Incumbency, Wins Elections’
Bamidele said political structure should not be confused with incumbency, stressing that grassroots networks, political capital and relationships with voters are key factors in determining electoral outcomes.
“It is the viability of the political capital that wins elections and not the power of incumbency. This is one formidable factor that now places the APC at a vantage position to win the next governorship poll in Osun State,” he said.
He pointed to the defection of several political figures from Adeleke’s camp to the APC as evidence of the party’s growing influence across the state.
Bamidele specifically cited Francis Fadahunsi, senator representing Osun East, and three members of the House of Representatives — Omirin Olusanya, Wole Oke and Taofeek Ajilesoro — as politicians who had moved away from Adeleke’s political structure.
He said the development had further strengthened the APC’s grassroots support ahead of the election.
The Senate leader urged all political parties and candidates to respect the rules of the election and focus on presenting their programmes and policies to the electorate.
“In the end, it is the people, not the federal government, that will determine who will govern them,” Bamidele said.
He also called on Osun residents to reject violence and support a peaceful electoral process.
Bamidele urged all candidates to submit themselves to the electoral process and abide by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, as amended.
“People of Osun State must collectively vote for peace and shun any form of violence in the next guber contest,” the lawmaker added.
