The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has firmly stated that its governorship ticket is not available for purchase, addressing recent speculations about a potential defection by Governor Ademola Adeleke and his family from the Peoples Democratic Party to the APC.
The former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and a prominent APC figure, Timothy Owoeye, emphasized the party’s stance during a press briefing.
He declared: “I want to say this categorically that, APC ticket is not for sale. As a matter of fact, as at now, as at today, we don’t see Adeleke as part of APC, as part of member as a party.”
Owoeye further suggested that the Adeleke family’s interest in the APC stems from apprehensions about their political future, stating: “Let me be sincere with you, the APC in Osun state remains the party to beat and I want to tell you that if not because of the fear of the unknown that is disturbing Adeleke family and PDP, they wouldn’t have shown the intention of coming to APC.”
He added: “Now, once the Adeleke family and PDP… that they should remain calm, that no space for PDP or Adeleke in APC. APC ticket, come rain, come sunshine, is not for sale for Adeleke family.”
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These remarks follow recent visits by Governor Adeleke, his nephew and popular singer David Adeleke (known as Davido), and Davido’s father, Adedeji Adeleke, to President Bola Tinubu at his Lagos residence and the Aso Villa in Abuja.
The meetings have sparked widespread speculation about a possible defection of the Adeleke family to the APC.
In response to these speculations, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the rumors, asserting that the visits were merely courtesy calls.
He stated: “The media speculation about likely or imminent defection is fake news. Governor Adeleke remains a member and leader of the PDP in Osun state.
“The visit by the Adeleke dynasty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a routine courtesy visit. Any reading of defection agenda into the visit is mere fake news.”
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who assumed office on November 27, 2022, after defeating incumbent Gboyega Oyetola of the APC in the 2022 Osun State gubernatorial election, has been a prominent figure in the PDP.
His administration has faced various political challenges, and the recent speculations have added to the political discourse in the state.
