With just days remaining before the Osun State governorship election, Governor Ademola Adeleke and the APC governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, engaged in a heated exchange during a town hall debate in Osogbo. The two major contenders traded accusations over the state’s finances, federal influence, security and their respective records in office.

The debate, organised by Arise News and moderated by Reuben Abati, Lasisi Olagunju, Festus Adedayo and Adesuwa Omoruan, provided an opportunity for leading candidates to present their plans and defend their records before voters ahead of the election.

Adeleke, who is seeking another term, rejected allegations that his administration had militarised the state or concentrated development projects in his hometown, Ede. Describing himself as a “bulldozer” who is not intimidated by opposition from the Federal Government, the governor highlighted projects and programmes he said his administration had delivered, including 350 kilometres of roads, the rehabilitation of 200 primary healthcare centres, the acquisition of 31 tractors and the recruitment of 1,500 Amotekun personnel.

He also called on residents to protect their votes peacefully at collation centres, urging them to remain vigilant throughout the electoral process.

Oyebamiji, however, challenged the governor to explain how about ₦650 billion in federal allocations received during his administration had been spent. He also referred to the ₦15 billion he alleged was left by former Governor Gboyega Oyetola. The APC candidate dismissed concerns that the Federal Government would use “federal might” to influence the election, promising instead to focus on agriculture, education, healthcare and poverty reduction across all 30 local government areas.

Reacting to the debate, Abuja-based human rights lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi praised Adeleke’s performance, describing his presentation as “too powerful and excellently delivered.” He said the governor spoke confidently about his achievements and his work for the people. Olajengbesi also alleged that Oyebamiji left the venue citing stomach problems, a claim the APC camp rejected as baseless political propaganda.

Other candidates also used the platform to outline their plans. Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) pledged to tackle political thuggery, drawing on his legislative and academic experience. Olajide Esan of the African Action Congress (AAC), meanwhile, proposed the creation of an Osun Residents Database and a public financial dashboard to improve transparency, strengthen accountability and give residents greater access to information about government spending.