The Imole Campaign Council has dismissed reports that Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his recent visit to President Bola Tinubu was simply a courtesy call following his victory in the state’s off-cycle governorship election.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, the council said the visit was in line with political tradition and had nothing to do with any plan by Adeleke to leave his political platform for the ruling APC.
The council explained that governors who win off-cycle elections are expected to pay a courtesy visit to the President and Commander-in-Chief, particularly when the Federal Government had publicly committed to ensuring a free and fair election.
It added that the meeting also provided an opportunity for Tinubu and Adeleke to discuss peace, security and the development of Osun State following the tense election.
“The visit of Mr Governor and top members of his campaign team had absolutely nothing to do with a plan to move from Accord to the All Progressives Congress as being insinuated in certain quarters.”
‘Defection Was Not Discussed’
The campaign council stressed that Adeleke’s possible defection to the APC was not discussed during the meeting with Tinubu.
“We wish to state unequivocally that at no stage during the visit to Mr President was the issue of decamping to the APC discussed.”
The clarification comes amid growing speculation about Adeleke’s political future after his recent victory and subsequent meeting with President Tinubu.
The Imole Campaign Council thanked the President for receiving Adeleke and members of his campaign team at the Presidential Villa
It also assured Adeleke’s supporters that the governor remained focused on serving the people of Osun State, whom it credited with standing firmly behind him during the election.
