APC Adeleke Clash Over Religion As Campaigns Intensify

Osun Poll: APC, Adeleke Clash Over Religion as Campaigns Intensify. The All Progressives Congress (APC) and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke have traded words over religion ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with both sides defending their records and credentials before voters.Speaking at the 70th anniversary celebration of Union Baptist Church in Osogbo, the APC deputy governorship candidate, Benjamin Adereti, described Governor Adeleke as a “religious hypocrite” whose religious identity, according to him, remains unclear.Adereti said the APC was not playing politics with religion, stressing that the party deliberately presented a Muslim-Christian governorship ticket to reflect religious balance.”I thank you for the privilege given me to be part of this celebration. Our governorship candidate, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, is a Muslim, while I am a Christian. Unlike the other party, whose governor we do not know whether he is a Christian or a Muslim, our ticket clearly reflects religious harmony,” he said.Expressing confidence ahead of the election, Adereti said the APC was optimistic of victory, adding that the party enjoyed widespread support across the state.

Reacting , Governor Adeleke dismissed the APC’s claims and challenged the opposition to compare its record in government with that of his administration on issues affecting the Muslim community.In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor said his administration had undertaken more projects and initiatives benefiting Muslims than previous governments in the state.

Adeleke cited the near completion of the state’s Hajj camp, the construction of a mosque within the Government House, and the appointment of Muslims to key positions in his administration as evidence of his commitment to the Muslim community.”They were in office and did not deem it fit to build a Hajj camp for intending pilgrims. They also failed to provide a mosque at the Government House despite claiming to represent Muslims. My administration is correcting those shortcomings,” the governor said.

He added that his government had ensured Muslims received fair representation in appointments and governance, urging residents to judge leaders by their actions rather than political rhetoric.The exchange underscores the growing intensity of campaigns ahead of the August 15 governorship election, with religion emerging as one of the key issues in the contest between the major political parties.