Osun Election: You can’t deploy power inside ballot booth, ADC tells APC

Two prominent aspirants for the governorship of Katsina State, both affiliated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), have resigned from the party, marking a significant shift in the political landscape of the state. The resignations of Dr Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa and Lawal Musa Daura occurred on Sunday, August 9, 2026, following disputes over the selection of the party's gubernatorial candidate. Inuwa, a seasoned politician who previously held key positions including Secretary to the Government and Commissioner for Education, defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). His departure was accompanied by thousands of supporters, indicating a substantial loss for the ADC. Daura, formerly the Director-General of the Department of State Services, joined the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), adding to the party's internal instability. Inuwa's political journey began with service under former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and continued through multiple administrations, culminating in his role as Secretary to the Government under Governor Aminu Bello Masari. In 2022, he ran for the APC governorship primary but lost to current Governor Mallam Dikko Umar Radda. This defeat led to his exit from the APC in October 2022, where he aligned with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). By 2025, Inuwa had positioned himself as a key figure in the opposition's realignment around the ADC, building a political base among his supporters. However, he eventually withdrew from the ADC's 2026 governorship primary, rejecting the choice of Senator Ahmad Babba Kaita as the party's candidate. His formal resignation from the ADC followed, as he opted to return to the APC, citing the need to advance his supporters' interests. Daura's tenure as Director-General of the Department of State Services saw him play a pivotal role in the state's administrative affairs. His candidacy in the ADC's 2026 governorship primary was unsuccessful, resulting in a challenge to the party's candidate-selection process. Daura advocated for transparency and democratic procedures, which contributed to the internal strife within the ADC. His resignation from the party concluded weeks of uncertainty regarding his political future. Sources indicate that Daura is likely to serve as the running mate to Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, the APM’s presidential candidate. During a public address, Daura emphasized his commitment to his constituents and hinted at future developments within the APM. Meanwhile, in Osun State, tensions escalated ahead of the August 16 governorship election. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju petitioned the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada to impose sanctions on Senator Francis Fadaunsi over alleged threats against members of the Accord Party. Adeyanju criticized Fadaunsi's remarks, which he claimed encouraged violence against political opponents. He urged leading candidates to denounce such threats and called for international intervention to safeguard democratic processes. Adeyanju also evaluated the performances of candidates during a town hall session, praising Governor Ademola Adeleke for his accountability and criticizing the APC candidate for vague campaign promises. Chief Dele Momodu, publisher of Ovation Magazine and a chieftain of the ADC, called for unity among opposition parties in Osun. He warned against allowing the APC to exploit divisions and suggested that a united front could challenge the ruling party effectively. Momodu highlighted the negative impact of the APC on national issues such as economic stability and social harmony. He stressed the importance of collaboration among opposition parties to ensure fair electoral practices and protect the interests of voters. His appeal underscores the growing pressure on political actors to maintain integrity and coherence in the lead-up to the election.