OSUN ELECTION: DID ACCORD SPEND ₦40 BILLION TO WIN ADELEKE’S VICTORY?

The 2026 Osun governorship election may be over, but a major controversy over election spending is still making headlines.

Former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose has alleged that the Accord Party spent at least ₦40 billion during the August 15 Osun governorship election, which was won by Governor Ademola Adeleke. Source: Vanguard News

Fayose also claimed that more than ₦7.5 billion was distributed across local governments and wards shortly before the election, with some wards allegedly receiving about ₦35 million.

However, there is currently no independent confirmation that Accord actually spent ₦40 billion. The figure remains an allegation made by Fayose. Source: Vanguard News

THE ₦100 BILLION QUESTION

The controversy became even bigger after a Saturday PUNCH investigation reported that APC and Accord together may have deployed more than ₦100 billion during the election.

The reported spending allegedly covered campaign activities, agents, canvassers and alleged vote-buying. The figure is also being examined by electoral authorities.

The allegations have raised serious questions about the cost of winning elections in Nigeria, especially as the 2026 Electoral Act places a ₦3 billion spending limit on governorship campaigns. Source : Punch Reporter Ismaeel Uthman

WHAT ABOUT THE ADELEKE FAMILY?

It is important to separate the claims.

The ₦40 billion allegation is about Accord Party spending, not proof that Governor Ademola Adeleke or the Adeleke family personally spent ₦40 billion.

Fayose also argued that the Adeleke political structure in Ede played a major role in the victory, pointing to the family's strong support base in the area.

Adeleke eventually defeated APC candidate Bola Oyebamiji, winning 511,067 votes to Oyebamiji's 444,815. Source: Politics Nigeria Reporter Damilare Adeleye

SO, DID ACCORD SPEND ₦40 BILLION?

It has not been independently established.

For now, ₦40 billion remains Fayose's allegation, while the broader claim that APC and Accord spent more than ₦100 billion is also under scrutiny.

The bigger question is:

How much does it really cost to win a governorship election in Nigeria?

What do you think, was Adeleke's victory driven mainly by money, political structure, or voter support?

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