Adeleke’s APC switch thwarted by Osun party chiefs — Oyinlola

Adeleke’s APC switch thwarted by Osun party chiefs — Oyinlola

Former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu initially supported Governor Ademola Adeleke’s planned defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), but the move was thwarted by influential APC leaders in Osun State.

Speaking during a radio programme in Osogbo, Oyinlola disclosed that a political understanding had been reached in which the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) would support Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid if Adeleke was allowed to join the APC in 2026.

According to him, internal resistance within the Osun APC hierarchy frustrated the arrangement.
“President Tinubu wanted Governor Adeleke in the APC, but Osun APC members opposed it,” he said. “What the President is doing now is ensuring that any opposition figure who refuses to join the APC voluntarily faces political challenges.”

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Oyinlola dismissed speculations that Adeleke might defect to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), insisting he would brief Osun residents before any political movement.
“I’ve been in the APC before; I know them well. I won’t follow blindly. Going to APGA would be like entering a one-chance. The Accord Party is a more realistic option,” he said.

The former governor also criticised the APC’s internal culture, recalling his role in the formation of the party from the New PDP bloc without receiving due recognition. He added that any decision to defect alongside Adeleke would depend on the ideology and viability of the new party.

Oyinlola emphasised that Osun voters would judge Adeleke by his administration’s performance, including prompt salary payments and ongoing infrastructure work. He noted that a final decision on future political steps would be taken once Adeleke returns from his trip.

As chairman of the PDP National Reconciliation Committee, Oyinlola said progress had been made in resolving crises in four out of six troubled state chapters. He confirmed ongoing consultations with PDP elders, including Sule Lamido and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Commenting on Nigeria’s political climate and recent controversial remarks by Donald Trump, he said the events of the past week were severe enough to warrant a president’s resignation in other countries.

Adeleke’s APC switch thwarted by Osun party chiefs — Oyinlola