Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, APC, has extended birthday greetings to Governor Ademola Adeleke on his 65th birthday, while using the occasion to criticise his administration’s performance.

In a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi on Tuesday, described the governor’s leadership since assuming office as a monumental failure.

The party urged him to redirect his policies for the benefit of Osun State 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 party also urged Adeleke to use his birthday as a moment 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,” it said.

The APC further cautioned that the remaining time in Adeleke’s four-year tenure should be devoted to meaningful governance, claiming that his current style lacked impact.

“As a party that is keenly interested in the development of the state, we remind you that the end of your four-year tenure is fast approaching,” the statement continued.

The opposition party also criticised the governor’s alleged 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.

Responding, the spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the APC’s statement, describing it as a product of the party’s unresolved failures while in power between 2018 and 2022.

“The Osun APC is still haunted by the monumental failure of its administration between 2018 to 2022,” it added.

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.

“From November 2022 to date, the story of Osun changed for the better,” Rasheed claimed.

The governor’s spokesperson highlighted recent achievements, including an improved National Examination Council ranking and a 40% reduction in state debt according to the Debt Management Office.

“The National Examination Council recently rated Osun as number seven from its 33rd position under the APC government,” Rasheed added.

He also referenced endorsements from civil servants and pensioners, noting that salaries and pensions were now being paid and healthcare access had improved.

“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.