APC Reveals Conditions for Adeleke’s Defection Amidst Denial Claims

In a bold political twist in Osun State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has come forward with revelations challenging Governor Ademola Adeleke’s public denial of plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). According to a statement issued by Kola Olabisi, Director of Media and Information for the Osun APC, Adeleke had indeed made secret overtures to join the ruling APC but was met with a firm condition that altered the trajectory of his ambitions.

The APC stated categorically that the governor sought entry into the party under the assumption that he would be granted an automatic ticket to contest for the governorship election. However, the party leadership at the national level rejected such an offer, insisting that Adeleke, like every other aspirant, would have to contest in a proper primary and “queue up” for the opportunity.

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 “Automatic Ticket” Denial Blocks Adeleke’s Entry

This singular condition, according to the APC, was a major stumbling block that prevented Adeleke from switching camps. Olabisi revealed that contrary to the governor’s recent public statements claiming he had no intention of leaving the PDP, covert moves had already been made behind closed doors.

“The truth is that Adeleke did make efforts to join our party, but when he was told that there would be no automatic ticket, his plans collapsed,” Olabisi stated. He further emphasized that prominent politicians from the Southwest zone and wealthy industrialists had been instrumental in facilitating secret meetings, including one involving a visit to APC stalwart Chief Bisi Akande at his Ibadan residence.

These disclosures come shortly after Adeleke publicly dismissed rumours of his defection, calling it “fake news” engineered by those threatened by his administration’s performance. He reportedly told PDP stakeholders that he had no intention, either presently or in the future, of leaving the party that brought him to power.

But the APC is not buying it. Olabisi accused the governor of being economical with the truth and misleading the stakeholders of the PDP. “It is disappointing that he wasn’t honest with his people,” the APC media director noted, describing Adeleke’s statements as an attempt to preserve his grip on a fractured political base.

The statement from the APC further questioned why a governor, who claims to be highly popular and confident of his leadership, would even consider defecting to a rival party if not for the perceived instability or dwindling prospects within his own camp.

“He touts popularity, but his actions suggest otherwise,” Olabisi said. “If he truly believes in his political strength, why look for greener pastures in the APC?”

The party further described Adeleke’s three-year leadership as a “monumental disaster” to the development of Osun State, pointing to what they consider shortcomings in administration and governance. They claimed that the public is increasingly disillusioned with the governor’s performance, which might explain his alleged attempts to explore alternative political alignments ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The APC also took the opportunity to commend its national leadership for maintaining party integrity by refusing to compromise its democratic principles, even in the face of pressure from high-profile personalities. According to Olabisi, the party was “divinely saved” from what could have been internal chaos and division had Adeleke’s defection gone through.

“It would have triggered serious disunity and friction in the party,” he said, noting that many grassroots supporters and loyal party members would have found it hard to accept Adeleke’s entrance on preferential terms.

In a stern warning to Governor Adeleke, the APC has now demanded a retraction of his recent statements to the PDP stakeholders. Olabisi said if the governor fails to recant his claims, the party will be compelled to publicly expose more detailed information about the failed defection saga.

As the political atmosphere heats up in Osun State, this development has added a fresh layer of tension between the ruling party at the federal level and the PDP-led state administration. With future elections drawing closer, the struggle for influence, loyalty, and public perception appears far from over.