Osun gov poll: APC deputy gov candidate, Adeleke clash over religion The single sharpest fact in one or two punchy sentences. Who did what, where, when, and why it matters.
Governor Ademola Adeleke and All Progressives Congress (APC) Deputy Governorship candidate Benjamin Adereti have clashed over religion, further heating up the Osun governorship poll. Adereti described Adeleke as a religious hypocrite yesterday at the 70th anniversary celebration of Union Baptist Church, Osogbo.
Benjamin Adereti, who is a Christian and the running mate to APC Muslim candidate Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, fired back at Adeleke, pointing out that he is yet to identify his religious affiliation. He said Adeleke's religious identity is questionable and that the APC is not playing politics with religion.
Adereti contrasted APC's Muslim-Christian ticket with that of the Accord party, saying it clearly reflects religious balance. He added that APC and their candidate are optimistic that they will emerge victorious on the August 15 governorship election.
In a swift reaction, Governor Ademola Adeleke, while addressing the Osun Muslim community in Osogbo, challenged the APC to compare its record while in government to that of his administration for the Muslim community. Adeleke stated that his achievements for the Muslim community surpass those of his predecessors, including building a Hajj camp and a mosque at the Government House.
According to a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said:
My administration is almost completing the Hajj camp to remove the shame on the ummah. They were in office and they did not think of a mosque at the Government House. My administration is building one.
Adeleke also listed his principal officers and cabinet members as Muslims who are being fairly represented in his administration, saying that he is ensuring that Muslims get their fair share in almost all areas. He ended with a challenge to judge who is a true believer from the work of their hands.
The Osun governorship election holds on August 15. Adereti and Adeleke are among the candidates vying for the position.
Benjamin Adereti is a businessman and a politician who has been involved in various political positions, including serving as a Local Government Chairman. He is a well-known figure in the APC in Osun and has been instrumental in mobilizing support for the party.
Ademola Adeleke, on the other hand, is a popular musician and politician who has served as a senator and later as governor of Osun. He is known for his philanthropic works, particularly among the Muslim community in Osun.
The dispute between Adereti and Adeleke has heightened the temperature of the Osun governorship poll and has led many to speculate that religion might play a major role in the election.
The election, scheduled for August 15, is seen as a crucial poll that could determine the direction of politics in Osun.
The Osun governorship election is the second poll in the state this year, with many analysts predicting a closely contested election between Adeleke and other candidates, including the APC candidate, Alhaji Bola Oyebamiji, and that of the Accord party.
The APC and Accord parties have been at the forefront of the election campaign, with both parties presenting Muslim-Christian tickets.
The Muslim community in Osun had earlier expressed their support for the Accord party candidate, stating that he is a Muslim who will promote their interest in government.
The dispute between Adeleke and Adereti has led many to call for calm, saying that the election should not be about religion but about which candidate has the best programs for the people.
The Osun state government has urged residents to remain calm and law-abiding citizens during the election.
The election is expected to be closely watched by Nigerians and international observers, who are keenly interested in the outcome of the poll.
The outcome of the election will determine the direction of Osun politics and could have a significant impact on the balance of power in the state.