The Imole Campaign Council has dismissed speculation that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress following his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu.
Adeleke, who secured re-election in the Osun State governorship election, visited Tinubu at the State House on Thursday, days after defeating the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, in the tightly contested poll.
The visit had triggered speculation in political circles that the governor could be preparing to move from Accord to the ruling APC.
However, the Chairman of Media and Publicity of the Imole Campaign Council, Bamidele Salam, described the speculation as unfounded, saying the meeting had nothing to do with any planned defection.
Salam, who is also the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, said the governor’s visit was part of the political tradition of paying respect to the President after an off-cycle election.
According to him, the meeting also provided an opportunity for Adeleke and Tinubu to discuss issues relating to peace, security and the development of Osun State following the tense election.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the visit of the governor and top members of his campaign team had absolutely nothing to do with a plan to move from Accord to the All Progressives Congress, as insinuated in certain quarters.
“We wish to state unequivocally that at no stage during the visit to Mr President was the issue of decamping to the APC discussed,” Salam said.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Friday, the spokesperson for the Imole Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, said Adeleke also used the meeting to advocate stronger democratic institutions and greater unity in Osun.
Olajengbesi described the election as highly competitive, saying the tension surrounding the contest underscored the need for political reconciliation and stability in the state.
“The election was tense. The election was more or less like a war,” he said.
The campaign council also rejected claims that the African Democratic Congress worked with Accord to secure Adeleke’s victory.
Olajengbesi insisted that the governor’s victory was determined by voters across the state, rather than any alleged political alliance with the ADC.
Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat Oyebamiji, who garnered 444,815 votes.
The result underscored the closely fought nature of the election, with the two leading candidates separated by 66,252 votes.
The governor’s post-election engagement with the President has nevertheless intensified political interest in the next phase of governance in Osun, particularly amid speculation over possible realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The campaign council, however, maintained that Adeleke remains committed to his political platform and that his visit to Tinubu should not be interpreted as a move to join the APC.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
