The campaign organisation of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has threatened to institute a ₦10bn defamation lawsuit against Senator Francis Fadahunsi over allegations made against the governor ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

The campaign council accused the senator, who represents Osun East Senatorial District, of making statements it described as defamatory and capable of damaging Adeleke’s reputation.

The council reportedly demanded that Fadahunsi withdraw the allegations and apologise, warning that failure to do so would lead to legal action and a demand for ₦10bn in damages.

The development comes amid heightened political tension in Osun ahead of Saturday’s governorship election, with the Adeleke-led Peoples Democratic Party facing opposition from the All Progressives Congress and other political parties.

The governor’s camp has repeatedly accused opposition figures of making unsubstantiated allegations against the administration, while opposition politicians have continued to criticise Adeleke’s government and campaign.

The latest dispute adds to a series of political disagreements between the ruling PDP and opposition parties as campaigns enter their final stages.

The Adeleke campaign council maintained that it would use lawful means to protect the governor’s reputation and respond to what it considers defamatory statements.