Ajibola Basiru, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has vehemently denied reports alleging his attempts to reconcile with former Interior Minister, Rauf Aregbesola, in anticipation of the 2026 Osun State governorship election. Basiru, a gubernatorial aspirant, dismissed the reports as fabricated and aimed at tarnishing his image. The alleged reconciliation was reported amidst a backdrop of a strained relationship between Basiru and Aregbesola, which fractured in 2021. Aregbesola and his supporters subsequently exited the APC following a protracted internal crisis.
The reports circulating in various blogs claimed that Basiru was actively seeking Aregbesola’s support to secure the APC governorship ticket in Osun State. These reports also insinuated ongoing internal conflicts within the APC, with some members purportedly criticizing President Bola Tinubu for receiving Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on June 3rd. Basiru’s campaign spokesperson, Sulaiman Ajala, issued a statement strongly refuting these claims. Ajala emphasized Basiru’s unwavering loyalty to Tinubu and categorically denied any political overtures towards Aregbesola, stating that there had been no contact between the two since 2021, personally or politically.
The statement clarified that Basiru had not criticized President Tinubu over Governor Adeleke’s visit and was not privy to the discussions held during the meeting. It underscores Basiru’s deep respect for Tinubu, describing their relationship as that of a son and mentor spanning over two decades. The statement firmly asserts that Basiru would never undermine the President or associate with individuals opposed to Tinubu’s political ideology. Ajala reiterated that neither Basiru nor his campaign team had shown any disrespect towards the President or the APC. He emphasized the disciplined nature of their organization, focusing on substantive issues rather than engaging in personal attacks or insults.
Basiru’s campaign spokesperson characterized the report as a malicious attempt to smear the aspirant’s reputation. He warned those responsible for spreading these “seditious lies” to desist from such actions immediately. The campaign emphasized Basiru’s steadfast commitment to the principles of the APC and his dedication to serving the party and the people with loyalty, humility, and integrity. This strong denial and counter-accusation highlight the ongoing political tensions within Osun State APC and the sensitivity surrounding the upcoming gubernatorial election.
The reports linking Basiru to Aregbesola appear to be strategically timed to undermine his gubernatorial aspirations within the APC. By associating him with a figure who has left the party and is potentially viewed as a political rival to the current leadership, those behind the reports aimed to create suspicion and distrust around Basiru’s candidacy. Furthermore, the attempt to portray Basiru as critical of Tinubu’s meeting with Governor Adeleke seems designed to sow discord within the party and potentially damage Basiru’s standing with the President.
The forceful denial by Basiru’s campaign and their emphasis on his long-standing loyalty to Tinubu indicate the seriousness with which they view these allegations. They recognize the potential damage these rumors could inflict on Basiru’s political ambitions and are actively working to counter the narrative. The incident underscores the competitive landscape of Osun State politics and the lengths to which some actors are willing to go to influence public perception and potentially derail their opponents’ campaigns. This episode also reveals the importance of media management and rapid response in contemporary politics, where misinformation can spread quickly and have significant consequences.
