PDP accuses Oyetola of plotting to rig 2026 Osun guber poll

The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a scathing attack on the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, accusing him of making “brazen threats” to manipulate the outcome of the 2026 governorship election in the state.

In a statement released in Osogbo and signed by the PDP State Chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, the party alleged that Oyetola, during a closed-door All Progressives Congress (APC) state caucus meeting last Friday, made remarks suggesting a plan to subvert the democratic process and use federal might to rig the forthcoming election.

Describing the minister’s alleged statements as “a direct assault on democracy,” the PDP warned of the implications of using state power to deny Osun citizens their constitutional rights.

“We waited for over 48 hours expecting a denial or clarification, but none came. His silence confirms the disturbing reality of his utterances,” the statement noted.

According to the PDP, Oyetola was quoted as boasting about obstructing Governor Ademola Adeleke’s defection to the APC and securing the cooperation of key federal institutions like the police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to swing the 2026 poll in APC’s favor.

The minister was also accused of influencing the Attorney General of the Federation to disregard a Court of Appeal ruling affirming the election of PDP local government chairmen and councilors. Furthermore, the PDP claimed Oyetola plotted to withhold local government allocations to weaken grassroots support for Governor Adeleke.

While the PDP acknowledged Oyetola’s right to participate in political discussions, it demanded he publicly clarify or deny the damaging allegations made during the APC caucus meeting.

“We call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately sanction the minister for dragging the federal government into political manipulation and disrepute,” the party added, suggesting that the President may be unaware of Oyetola’s alleged activities.

The PDP urged the President to instruct the Attorney General to comply with the Court of Appeal judgment and ensure the immediate release of withheld funds to the duly elected PDP local government officials.

Alerting the diplomatic community and civil society groups, the party described the alleged remarks by the minister as a “genocidal threat to democracy” and vowed that the people of Osun would defend their votes.

Governor Adeleke, the PDP declared, will win re-election in 2026 based on his “superlative governance record” and overwhelming support from the electorate.

Meanwhile, as at the time of filing this report, the former governor, Gboyega Oyetola has not issued any statement on the allegations.