APC Secretary Denies Adeleke Defection Rumors, Signals Gubernatorial Ambitions
Senator Ajibola Basiru, National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has firmly rejected speculation that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke plans to join the ruling party. The APC chieftain made this statement during a media engagement with the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Zone B.
Basiru’s comments effectively shut down rumors circulating about a potential defection by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor. The senator’s remarks came amid ongoing political discussions about party loyalty and electoral strategies in Osun State.
During the media parley, Basiru also hinted at his own political ambitions for the upcoming gubernatorial election cycle. His statements suggest the APC is preparing for a competitive race to reclaim the Osun governorship, which they lost to Adeleke in the 2022 election.
The denial comes as political parties across Nigeria intensify preparations for future elections. Defection rumors often surface during these periods, as politicians assess their prospects within their current parties versus potential opportunities elsewhere.
Governor Adeleke, who assumed office in November 2022, has not publicly addressed the speculation about switching parties. The PDP governor defeated incumbent APC candidate Gboyega Oyetola in a closely contested election that required legal challenges before final resolution.
Basiru’s dual message—dismissing defection claims while positioning himself for gubernatorial consideration—signals early maneuvering within Osun’s political landscape ahead of the next election cycle.
