A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Mr. Jamiu Olawumi, says the party rejected an alleged move by Governor Ademola Adeleke to join the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Olawumi made this claim on Thursday during The Morning Brief, a Channels Television breakfast show.
Adeleke’s Alleged Overture Was Rebuffed – APC
According to Olawumi, Governor Adeleke approached the APC leadership through several intermediaries. However, party stakeholders reportedly turned him down due to internal resistance and public perception.
“The leadership of our party rejected him. Party members, civil servants, and the general public were against it,” Olawumi said.
He alleged that the governor made the move discreetly but faced stiff opposition from APC loyalists.
Concerns Over Performance and Integrity
Olawumi explained that many APC members feared that welcoming Adeleke would damage the party’s credibility in the state. He pointed to dissatisfaction among civil servants, some of whom allegedly raised concerns about the governor’s policies.
“The people in the system were not happy. Accepting him would have backfired politically,” he stated.
He added that the APC aims to maintain internal unity and could not afford to bring in someone with a contrasting political ideology.
No Official Response From Governor’s Office
As of press time, Governor Adeleke’s media team has not issued any official statement in response to the allegations.
Efforts by Channels Television to reach his spokesperson were unsuccessful.
Political Tensions Ahead of 2026
The revelation comes amid increasing political activity in Osun State, as parties begin to prepare for the next governorship election scheduled for 2026.
Governor Adeleke, elected under the PDP platform in 2022, has faced criticism from opposition figures over his handling of state affairs.
However, his supporters insist that his administration remains focused on reforms and welfare projects.
The Osun APC, meanwhile, has continued to build its internal structure ahead of what is expected to be a fierce electoral contest.