The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday dismissed claims that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the APC.
The speculation, which spread widely on Saturday, was fuelled by a statement from Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, suggesting that PDP leaders had pledged to follow the governor to any party he chooses.
APC’s Director of Media and Information in Osun, Chief Kola Olabisi, firmly denied the defection reports, urging the public and party members to ignore them.
“We categorically and unequivocally state it is a lie from the pit of hell that Governor Adeleke has joined our party. Nothing of such is happening or even being considered,” Olabisi said.
He further dismissed claims that the presidency pressured Adeleke to join the APC, labelling such suggestions as fabrications. Olabisi pointed out that constitutional processes would need to be followed for such a move, none of which had occurred.
“We observe that some of Adeleke’s supporters have become overly excited about this imaginary defection, but it remains mere speculation,” Olabisi added.
He described it as impossible for a sitting governor to defect without the knowledge and approval of key APC figures, including National Chairman Ali Dalori, Chief Bisi Akande, Minister Gboyega Oyetola, and Osun APC Chairman Sooko Tajudeen Lawal.
Olabisi also criticised claims that President Bola Tinubu had been courting Adeleke, calling it a baseless concoction meant to create false importance around the governor.
