Adeleke Met Tinubu as Part of Routine Engagement, Not to Join APC — Campaign Council

The Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has no plan to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), his campaign council has said.

The clarification followed Adeleke’s recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which generated speculation that the Osun governor could be considering a move to the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The campaign council described the meeting as a customary political and official engagement, insisting that it should not be interpreted as an indication that Adeleke intends to abandon the PDP.

According to the council, the governor’s interaction with the President was part of normal engagements between political leaders and should not be used to draw conclusions about his political affiliation.

The council said Adeleke remains committed to the PDP and its political structure, dismissing reports suggesting that the governor was negotiating a defection to the APC.

It urged members of the public and political supporters to disregard speculation surrounding the meeting, stressing that Adeleke’s political decisions would be communicated through the appropriate channels.

The development comes amid increasing political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections, with politicians across party lines holding consultations and meetings as parties prepare for the next electoral contest.

Adeleke’s relationship with the Federal Government has also attracted attention because of the need for cooperation between the state and federal authorities on development and governance matters.

The campaign council maintained that political engagement across party lines should not automatically be interpreted as defection plans, noting that elected officials have responsibilities that require them to interact with leaders from different political backgrounds.

It further called on Adeleke’s supporters to remain focused on the governor’s administration and its programmes in Osun State rather than unverified reports about his political future.

The council’s position is expected to put to rest, at least for now, speculation over Adeleke’s possible movement to the APC.

As political activities ahead of 2027 intensify, however, further discussions about party alignments and political alliances are expected to continue across Osun State and the country.