The spokesperson for the Ademola Adeleke Campaign Council, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has dismissed speculation that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Olajengbesi made this clarification while addressing journalists in Abuja on Friday, August 21, 2026, following the governor's meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Visit Described as Routine Courtesy Call
Olajengbesi said the meeting between Governor Adeleke and President Tinubu was a routine courtesy call and should not be interpreted as a sign of any political realignment. He emphasized that Adeleke's visit was in line with proper protocol, as the governor wanted to acknowledge the President's role in facilitating the conditions under which the Osun governorship election was conducted and won.
"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. The visit of Mr Governor to Mr President is not taking the people of Osun State for granted, but the intention is to amplify the aspiration of the people of Osun State," Olajengbesi said.
No Plans to Join APC
The spokesperson categorically stated that Adeleke is not joining the APC. "The essence of that visit has nothing to do with Governor Ademola Adeleke joining APC. Governor Ademola Adeleke is not joining APC," he asserted.
Olajengbesi added that during the meeting, Adeleke urged Tinubu to support measures that would strengthen democratic institutions and guard against their manipulation by political actors. The President, in turn, encouraged the governor to pursue reconciliation in Osun, telling him it was "the best time for us to unite our people." Olajengbesi noted that this aligns with Adeleke's publicly stated position on healing divisions in the state.
Adeleke's Post-Election Engagements
Governor Adeleke had earlier met with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike in Abuja, days after his re-election victory. This followed his meeting with President Tinubu, where he presented his Certificate of Return. Adeleke defeated APC's Bola Oyebamiji with 511,067 votes in the August 15 governorship election.
During the meeting with Adeleke at the Presidential Villa, President Tinubu warned the governor against stigmatising his opponents, telling him that he won an election, not a conquest. Tinubu said Adeleke was in a unique position to make history and must prove himself through action, not celebration.
The clarification from the campaign council comes amid speculation triggered by the governor's visit to the President, with observers questioning whether the meeting signalled a potential party switch ahead of future political contests.
