2027: Adeleke Reveals Where He Stands On APC After Meeting Tinubu And Wike

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has dismissed speculation that he is planning to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Rumours of a possible move to the APC intensified after Adeleke separately visited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, in Abuja on Thursday.

However, speaking to journalists in Abuja on Friday, Adeleke’s Campaign Council spokesperson, Pelumi Olajengbesi, categorically stated that the governor has no plans to join the APC.

He said, “The essence of that visit has nothing to do with Governor Ademola Adeleke joining APC. It’s an impossibility. Governor Ademola Adeleke is not joining APC.

“But I can assure you that Governor Ademola Adeleke will work with the Federal Government to ensure that there’s progress in Nigeria and, of course, in Osun State.”

Olajengbesi explained that Adeleke’s meeting with Tinubu was primarily a demonstration of respect for the office of the President and did not signal any change in the governor’s political affiliation.

He added that Adeleke also used the opportunity to appreciate Tinubu for what he described as providing a level playing field during the recently concluded Osun State governorship election.

According to him, the governor further appealed for healing and unity among the people of Osun State following the election.

Olajengbesi said Adeleke’s visit to the President was both appropriate and in line with the established relationship between the federal and state governments.

He stated, “The visit of Governor Ademola Adeleke to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the proper thing to do. It is the norm; it is the standard.”

He noted that Nigeria operates a federal system with three tiers of government—the Federal Government, state governments and local governments.

According to him, Osun State remains an integral part of Nigeria, making it necessary for the governor to maintain a cordial relationship with the President and the Federal Government.

Olajengbesi said the governor’s courtesy visit was not intended to disregard the people of Osun State but rather to strengthen their interests and aspirations at the federal level.

He added that President Tinubu had encouraged Adeleke to use the post-election period to promote unity and reconciliation in Osun State, a position he said was consistent with the governor’s own call for healing among the people