Pelumi Olajengbesi, the convener of the Imole Grassroots Mobilisation Network, has described as laughable and empty the latest show of pride by the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Osun State, Bola Oyebamiji.

In a statement on Tuesday, Olajengbesi, an ally of Governor Ademola Adeleke who is seeking re-election, said Oyebamiji and his co-travellers, including former governor Gboyega Oyetola, should know that the people of Osun State will determine the winner of the August 8, 2026 poll.

Recall that Oyebamiji on Sunday in Osogbo said he does not have any real challenger ahead of the August 8, 2026, governorship election, describing the contest as a “penalty kick” already awarded in APC’s favour.

Reacting, however, Olajengbesi said Oyebamiji must know that pride goes before a fall.

Olajengbesi said, “It is concerning for a first-time contestant to dismiss the chances of an incumbent seeking re-election.

“It is laughable that Oyebamiji, who has no experience in politics and who has not been elected before, has allowed his affiliation with the APC and Oyetola to becloud his reasoning. Oyebamiji should be reminded that Governor Ademola Adeleke beat Gboyega Oyetola hands down in the 2022 poll.

“Governor Adeleke’s potential victory at the 2026 governorship poll in Osun State remains unshaken despite his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party.”

Olajengbesi, hopeful for the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency seat in the House of Representatives, said the political numbers are in favour of Adeleke and not the APC.

“If Adeleke, with the support of the people of Osun, could defeat an incumbent governor, Gboyega Oyetola, in 2022, defeating some greenhorns in 2026 will come so cheap. Oyetola had federal might by his side yet lost. Politics is local.

“Let it be known that the same reason Adeleke won in 2022 is the same reason he will win in 2026 – a robust grassroots base and a political capital all his contenders envy.

“Politics is local, and the people of Osun State have spoken loud and clear of their love and support for Governor Ademola Adeleke,” he said.