The spokesperson to Osun State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state of spreading misinformation about the recently held Accord Canvassers’ Rally, insisting that the opposition party’s claims stem from its failed attempt to stop the event from taking place.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Rasheed described the APC’s position as a “bundle of fake news,” alleging that the party made concerted efforts to frustrate what he said was a legally organised political mobilisation programme.
According to the governor’s spokesperson, the Osun APC allegedly sought to use the police to halt the rally by claiming it had scheduled a separate event for the same day. He argued that the move was designed to create a basis for security authorities to prohibit all political activities in the area.
Rasheed further alleged that the Osun State Police Command, without consulting the state government, initially issued a directive cancelling the rally despite the fact that Governor Ademola Adeleke was billed to attend as the chief host.
He claimed that the police action was widely perceived as politically motivated and intended to deny the Accord Party and its candidate the constitutional rights guaranteed under Nigeria’s electoral laws.
“Governor Adeleke immediately engaged the relevant police authorities and drew attention to what he considered the legal and political implications of the decision. Following those discussions, the police reportedly reviewed their position and withdrew their opposition to the rally,” Rasheed stated.
He maintained that the event was conducted in full compliance with the law, stressing that the governor did not violate any police directive because no valid restriction remained in force after the intervention.
Addressing reports of a temporary stage collapse during the programme, the governor’s spokesperson acknowledged that there were minor challenges at the early stages of the event but said the issues were quickly resolved.
“There were a few initial hiccups, but they were addressed promptly, and the rally proceeded successfully. Thousands of canvassers and supporters attended, key political leaders delivered their speeches, and Governor Adeleke officially inaugurated the canvassers,” he said.
Rasheed noted that video clips and photographs from the rally, which have circulated widely on social media, showed the governor interacting with attendees and participating fully in the programme.
“Our governor was hale and hearty throughout the event. He addressed the crowd, sang, danced, and joined thousands of supporters in what turned out to be a successful gathering,” he added.
The spokesperson also interpreted the large turnout at the event as evidence of growing support for Governor Adeleke ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
According to him, the crowd that gathered in Ijeshaland — the political base of the APC campaign’s Director-General and a serving senator — reflects what he described as a decline in the opposition party’s influence across the state.
He further argued that the successful conduct of the rally, despite what he called efforts to frustrate it, demonstrates increasing public support for Governor Adeleke’s administration and re-election bid.
Rasheed dismissed all allegations made by the APC regarding the event and insisted that the massive turnout at the rally signals the direction of public sentiment across Osun State.
“By the grace of God and with the support of the people, Governor Adeleke will secure re-election on August 15,” he stated.
The statement was signed by Mallam Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson to Governor Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.
