Ahead of the 2026 and 2027 polls, respectively, a youth group, Osun Progressives Youth warned that the defection of Governor Ademola Adeleke to the All Progressives Congress will spell doom for the opposition party in the state.
The group within the Osun APC also warned that Adeleke’s presence in APC will erode public trust and lead to faction within APC because the Peoples Democratic Party in the state has demonised the APC leader, Adegboyega Oyetola
A statement by the coordinator of the group, Tunmise Ajiboye on Monday explained that, “Adeleke’s presence will only bring bad luck to APC because he knows that he will be bitterly defeated by the candidate of our party in 2026 guber poll.
“The public are warming up to vote him out from Bola Ige House in 2026 because his administration is characterised with anti progressive tendencies. Those who are propagating his plan of defection are only clever by half. They are comparing Osun State with Delta state.
“Do not compare Delta and Akwa-Ibom states who are predominantly PDP with Osun State who is predominantly progressive state. Statically, the APC doesn’t have up to 30% in the presidential results of both Akwa-Ibom and Delta states results.
“But in Osun State, APC scored 47.34% and PDP had 48.85%. Does that mean if Adeleke is allowed to come to the APC, APC votes will increase in 2027 ? In fact it may decrease, because many people will feel betrayed and dejected.”
Meanwhile, a socio-political group, Osun Leaders of Thought, has praised Governor Adeleke for his recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
This is as the group described the visit as a demonstration of political maturity and a step toward strengthening Southwest unity despite party differences.
In a statement signed by its press officer, Adekunle Adebayo and made available to journalists on Monday, the group said Adeleke’s decision to visit Tinubu, who is a member of a different political party, was not only commendable but necessary for fostering collaboration across party lines.
The group also hailed President Tinubu for receiving the governor warmly, saying it portrayed him as “a father to all, regardless of political affiliations.”
“The visit shows that leadership must rise above partisanship. Osun remains a vital part of the Yoruba region, and cooperation between state and federal leaders should be encouraged,” the statement read in part.
However, the group expressed concern over criticisms from some members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, who faulted the meeting between the two leaders.
They also condemned the comment made by a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, who reportedly said, “the Osun APC ticket is not for sale” while reacting to the visit.
The group argued that such a remark was unnecessary and unprovoked.
“President Tinubu didn’t make any political declaration or offer during the visit. His action was purely a show of leadership and open-mindedness,” they added.
