ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Political tensions are rising ahead of the Osun and Ekiti governorship elections as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lay claim to dominance, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) expresses optimism about its prospects in both states.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has fixed the Ekiti governorship election for June 20, 2026, while Osun voters are expected to go to the polls on August 8, 2026.
Speaking with journalist, the PDP National Chairman, Tanimu Turaki, described Osun and Ekiti as long-standing PDP territories, insisting that residents of both states were eager for the party’s return to power.
According to him, voters have assessed the performance of successive administrations and now favour the PDP at both the state and national levels.
“Osun and Ekiti have always been PDP strongholds,” Turaki said. “The people are tired of the APC and are yearning for the return of the PDP. Nigerians have compared both parties in government and know which has performed better.”
He added that the PDP would triumph in both elections if the polls are conducted transparently, stressing that the party remains confident of victory under a credible electoral process.
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Offering a different perspective, the ADC National Youth Leader, Balarabe Rufai, said his party was steadily gaining ground in both states and could spring surprises at the polls.
Rufai attributed the party’s confidence in Osun to the influence of its National Secretary, Rauf Aregbesola, whom he described as a key political figure in the state.
“Our party is firmly rooted in Osun and Ekiti,” he said.
“The strength of ADC in Osun is so evident that even the incumbent governor considered joining us. Nigerians are tired of APC policies, excessive borrowing, and governance that does not benefit ordinary citizens.”
He argued that widespread dissatisfaction with the ruling party had created an opening for ADC to perform strongly or even secure victories in the forthcoming elections.
However, the APC rejected the claims made by both opposition parties, insisting that it remains firmly in control of the political landscape in Osun and Ekiti.
APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed assertions that Nigerians were abandoning the ruling party, arguing that internal crises within opposition parties undermined their credibility.
“Nigerians are intelligent and make informed decisions.
“While others struggle with internal divisions, APC continues to consolidate quietly. We will retain Ekiti and reclaim Osun”, Ibrahim said.
He maintained that President Bola Tinubu’s performance and the party’s growing acceptance across the region would determine the outcome of the elections.