• Our ticket not for negotiation – APC •Why party should zone governorship to Osun West – group
From Lateef Dada, Osogbo
Tension is building up in both the camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State and the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) over alleged defection plot by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The move, which for now is only known to the immediate family of the Adelekes and their “negotiators” is aimed at ensuring a smooth sail for the governor, who is desirous of retaining his seat at the Abere Government Secretariat, Osogbo.
Findings have shown that Governor Adeleke is fraternising with the presidency in consideration of joining the APC. But efforts to meet with President Bola Tinubu at several occasions have with a view to sealing the “deal” have however, not yielded positive results as some people at the Presidency are reportedly denying the governor access to President Tinubu while some other sources said Governor Adeleke’s meeting with President Tinubu has not been favourable to him (Adeleke).
Speaking with Daily Sun, chieftain of the APC and former Commissioner for Information in the state, Sunday Akere, said attempts have been made by Adeleke to join APC so as to have automatic return ticket, but all to no avail.
Akere said the condition for negotiation could not be met because Governor Adeleke cannot get an automatic ticket of the APC. He stressed that Adeleke would be allowed to join the APC if he is not giving condition of having the party’s automatic ticket.
“Membership of a political party is free entry and free exit. It is for anybody that wants to join. APC is an open party. If he wants to join, he’s free but the only thing is that our governorship ticket is not available for take. If he’s joining, he will join as a member not negotiating to pick our ticket. Every other person that has joined at the national level, they have been accommodating them.
“If the governor wants to join today, we would accommodate him but our ticket is not available for anybody to pick up.
“He has made more than three efforts to see the president but the condition is that he’s free to join but the ticket is not available for negotiation. They have been making efforts for more than one year but the presidency has said the ticket cannot be used for negotiation,” Akere said.
But, spokesperson to Governor Adeleke, Olawale Rasheed, described as “fake news from the pit of hell” claims that the governor has made several attempts to join the ruling party at the federal level. He said it was “a delusionary report which is a product of troubled opposition that has a challenge of who to field against the governor in 2026.
“The report reflects the depth of unelectability of the APC in the 2026 guber election, as the opposition is at a crossroads over acute short supply of electable aspirants. The opposition has noticed the futility of fielding the former governor, confused over the cantankerous nature of Senator Ajibola Bashiru.
“By the fake reports, the opposition is indirectly preparing for the possibility and eventuality of a second term win for the state governor. The ‘Imole’ winning signal must have become so clear that the state APC is surrendering to the reality that God, the people and even federal authorities have affirmed the re-election of Mr Governor, even before 2026.
“I will put on record that Governor Adeleke has never at any time hosted any meeting on defection either within or outside the country.
“Mr Governor enjoys the confidence of the presidency and top federal officials because he concentrates on good governance delivery and patriotic collaboration with the Federal Government on federal- national programmes. As a state governor, he prioritises positive partnership for service delivery instead of political bickering which retards rather than advance development.
“Mr. Governor is also a passionate believer that President Bola Tinubu must succeed in his efforts to reform the national economy for several reasons. We all know that the success of President Tinubu is the success of all Yoruba sons and daughters as well as of all patriotic Nigerians. So, supporting the president is a national duty as far as Governor Adeleke is concerned. There is however no plan whatsoever by the governor to defect to the APC,” Rasheed
Despite his denial, Daily Sun can authoritatively reveal that the move is real, as those around the president are already mouthing the slogan “politics is a game of number,” indirectly giving a tacit approval to the move.
Daily Sun, however, gathered that a counterforce from within the APC had equally reached out to President Tinubu to explain the dangers of accepting the Osun governor into its fold.
“If the governor was doing well and truly has what it takes to govern, we won’t have issues with him joining us. But the man is coming with a lot of baggage. You know, accepting him into APC, is like moving with someone with rashes all over the body? Would you count such a development as being positive? With the defection of Prince Dotun Babayemi and his group to APC, the PDP knows its end is near, this is why the governor is desperate. But we don’t need them to win Osun, and this much we told the president,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the Coalition of Osun All Progressives Congress Interest Groups (COAIG) has said its call for zoning of governorship ticket to the West Senatorial District is hinged on the denial of the zone from having access to the government since 1999.
The group reiterated his stance in response to an APC governorship aspirant’s argument that the party ticket should be thrown open to any Zone, saying it’s for his selfish interests.
The group said it was advocating that the APC governorship ticket be zoned to the Osun West Senatorial District so as to avert the recurrence of what happened in the last governorship election.
In a statement by its Director of Public Engagement and Operations, Samuel Iwolode, the group expressed disappointment on the wrong interpretation given to its agitation by some persons-for their selfish interests.
The APC group said the call and advocacy of the group, that the governorship candidate should emerge from the Osun West in the 2026 elections, is for the interest of the party.
COAIG asserted that its call for zoning is rooted in equity and fairness, noting that since 1999, no candidate from Osun West has emerged as the APC gubernatorial flagbearer.
It highlighted the district’s unwavering support for the party despite being sidelined, which it claimed undermines unity and inclusivity within the APC.
“Our quest for a gubernatorial candidate to emerge from Osun West, provided former Governor Gboyega Oyetola does not contest again, is not fueled by political divisiveness but rather anchored in the pursuit of equity, fairness, and balance.”
The group further criticized the antagonist of the zone for allegedly downplaying the importance of zoning, citing how the arrangement benefitted Senator Ajibola Basiru, who assumed the position of APC National Secretary without undergoing elections.
The group tagged those it described as antagonists to be allegedly working for the APC National Secretary’s Governorship ambition which they said would never hold water.
“Zoning reflects the party’s commitment to equitable distribution of leadership roles, fostering unity and inclusiveness. It is only fair and logical that this mechanism is applied consistently across all political contests, including the gubernatorial primaries,” COAIG stated.
The group also addressed Basiru’s recent electoral defeat, urging party members to reflect on their strategies rather than dismiss legitimate calls for zoning. It maintained that advocating for a candidate from Osun West is not about regional interests but about fostering inclusivity and invigorating the party with fresh perspectives.
“Our call for leadership from Osun West is not an attempt to divide but to strengthen the party under the banner of fairness and equal opportunity,” the group said, adding that a candidate from the district would symbolize inclusiveness and unity.
“The antagonists of Osun West Advocacy should put the interest of the party before the personal interest of the APC National Secretary’s Governorship ambition.
COAIG concluded by urging party stakeholders to prioritize political balance and inclusivity as the APC gears up for the 2026 elections, emphasizing that a united front would ensure the party’s success at the polls.