The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has extended birthday greetings to Governor Ademola Adeleke on his 65th birthday, while simultaneously criticizing his administration's performance since taking office.

In a statement released on Tuesday by the party's Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, the APC described Adeleke's leadership as a "monumental failure" and urged the governor to redirect his policies for the benefit of Osun residents.

"It is quite unfortunate that since the Governor Adeleke-led administration was inaugurated over two years ago, there has been little or nothing for the residents of the state to have unfettered access to meaningful dividends of democracy," the statement read.

The opposition party encouraged Adeleke to use his birthday as an opportunity for introspection and governance improvement. "We celebrate today's special day with you. It is our hope that as you added another year to your earthly journey today, it will form the basis for you to have a rethink and redirection," the party stated.

The APC further cautioned that the remaining time in Adeleke's four-year tenure should be devoted to meaningful governance, claiming that his current leadership style lacked impact. They also criticized what they termed as the governor's divisive approach to leadership, advising him to adopt a more inclusive and constructive attitude.

"It would prosper your administration if you have the political will to do away with divisive, oppressive and vindictive governance," Olabisi added.

Governor's Office Responds

In response, the governor's spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the APC's statement, describing it as a product of the party's unresolved failures during their time in power between 2018 and 2022.

"The Osun APC is still haunted by the monumental failure of its administration between 2018 to 2022," Rasheed stated. He asserted that since November 2022, Adeleke had made significant strides in workers' welfare, infrastructure, education, and debt reduction, citing the administration's five-point agenda.

Rasheed highlighted recent achievements, including an improved National Examination Council ranking, with Osun now ranked seventh nationally compared to 33rd under the previous APC government. He also cited a 40% reduction in state debt according to the Debt Management Office.

The governor's spokesperson referenced endorsements from civil servants and pensioners, noting that salaries and pensions were now being paid regularly and healthcare access had improved under Adeleke's administration.

"Osun workers recently endorsed Mr. Governor for a second term... they vowed never to be taken back to the tortuous era of APC governance," he stated.

Rasheed also commended President Bola Tinubu for issuing a birthday message to Adeleke, contrasting the President's gesture with what he termed the APC's lack of political maturity. He accused the opposition of backing unelectable candidates and spreading disinformation.

"We can only advise the state APC to surrender ahead of 2026," Rasheed concluded, suggesting confidence in the governor's prospects for re-election.