The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has refuted claims that Governor Ademola Adeleke has defected to its fold, urging the public to disregard such insinuations.
In a statement signed by the Osun APC spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, and obtained in Osogbo on Sunday, the party accused Adeleke’s administration of spreading falsehood about his supposed defection.
“We want to state categorically and unequivocally that it is a lie from the pit of hell being told by the governor and his lieutenants that the state helmsman has defected into our party, as nothing of such is happening or being contemplated at all the levels of our party,” the statement read.
The party further dismissed rumours that the Presidency was pressuring Adeleke to join the APC, describing such claims as baseless.
“At no time was there any pressure from the Presidency that Governor Adeleke should defect into our party as it has been the rumour by the governor’s lieutenants and his co-travellers,” the statement added.
The APC reaffirmed its stance, declaring that Adeleke remains a member of the Peoples Democratic Party and that the ruling party remains united.
“Without minding whose ox is gored, we make bold to state for the umpteenth time that Governor Adeleke hasn’t joined our party, while we are assuring our teeming members and supporters that our party is intact and all is well with it,” the party stated.
The statement also highlighted constitutional hurdles that would make Adeleke’s defection difficult, noting that such a move would require the knowledge and approval of key party leaders.
“It is an impossible utopia for a governor to defect into our party without the knowledge of its national chairman, Mr Ali Dalori, Chief Bisi Akande, state leader, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (Minister of Marine and Blue Economy), state chairman, Tajudeen Lawal, the Agba Osun and others,” the party said.
The APC expressed displeasure over claims by the governor’s allies that President Bola Tinubu had been persuading Adeleke to join the APC, describing such narratives as fabrications meant to elevate the governor’s political relevance.
“It is indeed funny that it’s our party that had received persistent badmouthing from the gatecrashers into the Bola Ige House, who have now turned the most viable opposition party in the state into a beautiful bride,” the statement added.
The party concluded by dismissing the defection rumours as mere speculation, reaffirming that the APC remains strong and united in Osun State.
