Dare Babalola
Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has slammed the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, for presenting a candidate associated with the “half-salary era” as youth-friendly.
Rasheed’s statement, issued on Sunday, accused the move by the APC as a “political mockery of the highest order”, saying Osun youths are not naive and remember the hardship under the party’s previous government.
“Osun youths are not politically naive, emotionally detached, or historically amnesic, they remember clearly how the state was under APC’s failed government, how their homes suffered, and who the helmsman was over that period of pain,” Rasheed emphasized.
The statement recounted the alleged hardships endured under APC’s watch, “neglected salary payments, abandoned pensioners, parents unable to plan their lives, and the burden of school fees becoming overwhelming. That period did lasting damage.”
In stark contrast, Governor Adeleke’s administration has prioritized welfare, with prompt and full payment of salaries, pensions, and implementation of minimum wage. “Governor Adeleke understands that if parents are in trouble, their children will suffer,” Rasheed noted.
The statement highlighted the administration’s efforts to empower artisans, traders, and small business owners through strong local content policies, shielding youths from social pressure and desperation.
Rasheed urged APC to seek forgiveness for past hardships rather than manipulate youths with “recycled narratives”. “No amount of rebranding can erase pain without accountability and remorse,” he said.
Asserting that Osun youths have made their choice, Rasheed declared, “The 2026 election will not be decided by political tricks or empty promises.” Governor Adeleke’s government has “reduced pain, restored dignity, and governed with a human face”, he added.
