Adeleke’s Visit to Tinubu Customary, No Plan to Join APC — Imole Campaign Council
Kola Oyelere, Kano
The Imole Campaign Council has dismissed speculation that Osun State Governor, Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, plans to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was purely customary and in keeping with Nigeria’s political tradition.
The council, in a statement issued on Thursday by the Chairman of its Media and Publicity Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, said Adeleke’s visit to the President followed his victory in the recently concluded Osun State off-cycle election.
According to the council, governors who emerge victorious in off-cycle elections have a responsibility to pay respect to the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, particularly where the President had previously called for a free and fair electoral process.
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It said the visit also provided an opportunity for President Tinubu and Governor Adeleke to discuss issues concerning peace, security and the progress of Osun State following the tense electoral contest.
The council, however, described reports linking the governor’s visit to an alleged plan to join the APC as unfounded.
“For the avoidance of doubt, 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,” the statement said.
It stressed that the issue of defection to the APC was not discussed at any point during the meeting with President Tinubu.
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The Imole Campaign Council expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for granting the governor and members of his team the opportunity to meet with him.
It also assured supporters of Adeleke of the governor’s continued commitment to serving the people of Osun State, whom it said stood firmly behind him during the recently concluded election.
The statement was dated August 21, 2026.