Osun APC Denounces Criticism from House Member
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has publicly criticized House of Representatives member Bamidele Salam for his recent comments aimed at President Bola Tinubu and leading figures within the party.
In a statement released yesterday, Kola Olabisi, the party’s Director of Media and Information, described Salam’s remarks—made during a television appearance—as uncharitable, misguided, and misleading. Salam, who represents the Ede North/Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency, appeared on Channels Television last Wednesday where he made derogatory comments regarding the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as well as the upcoming gubernatorial candidate for the August 15, 2026 elections, Bola Oyebamiji.
The APC asserted that Salam’s background lends little surprise to his “baseless and reckless statements,” suggesting that he contrasts the achievements of their gubernatorial candidate, who has demonstrated significant success in both public and private sectors, with his favored candidate, who the party labeled as a perennial follower. “No one should be punished without an outlet to express their grievances,” Olabisi remarked, referring to Salam’s criticisms as mere emotional outbursts lacking substance.
Olabisi highlighted the tactical yet composed demeanor of Bola Oyebamiji, a candidate well-versed in local affairs, suggesting that Salam’s vitriol stems from his repeated rejections of offers to switch parties. Notably, the statement indicated that such offers had never previously been turned down by any sitting governor in Nigeria’s political history.
The APC also criticized the appointment of Wole Oke, a notable federal lawmaker who represents the Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency, as Director-General of the Governorship Electoral Commission, warning that it poses a potential threat to the Accord Party, which they claim lacks direction and is led by an ineffectual governor.
Furthermore, the Osun APC expressed concern regarding Salam’s understanding of procedural transfers within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), emphasizing that these transfers are standard practices within governmental operations.
The state chapter implied that the Accord Party’s reactions to the relocation of the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner to Ondo State suggested deeper issues. They alleged an underlying unrest among the populace, pointing to discussions about a purported N500 million quid pro quo involving illegal electoral arrangements related to the forthcoming governorship election.
In their closing remarks, the APC found it peculiar that Salam would pit the effective leadership of President Tinubu against that of Governor Adeleke, asserting that such a comparison is not only unfounded but falls woefully short of factual analysis. The party contended that it is unwise for Salam to blame the diminishing popularity of his preferred gubernatorial candidate, who is campaigning under the Accord Party’s relatively obscure banner, on the actions of the APC and its strategic electoral operations.
