The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has vehemently denied rumors and insinuations regarding the purported defection of Governor Ademola Adeleke from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. The party released a statement unequivocally dismissing these claims as falsehoods originating from the governor’s administration and his associates. The APC emphasized that no such defection is occurring or even being considered at any level within the party structure. The party’s spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, characterized the rumors as blatant lies and stressed the party’s unified stance against the misinformation being spread.
The Osun APC categorically refuted the claim that pressure from the presidency motivated Governor Adeleke to consider defecting. The party characterized this narrative as a fabrication propagated by the governor’s aides and allies. Furthermore, the APC highlighted significant constitutional obstacles that would need to be overcome for such a defection to even be feasible. The party underscored the absurdity of a gubernatorial defection occurring without the knowledge and involvement of key APC figures, including National Chairman Ali Dalori, Chief Bisi Akande, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, and State Chairman Sooko Tajudeen Lawal.
The APC expressed its disapproval of the governor’s associates disseminating these unfounded rumors, especially through social media platforms. The party criticized the narrative that President Bola Tinubu is courting Governor Adeleke, labeling it a contrived attempt to inflate the governor’s perceived importance. The APC reiterated that Governor Adeleke has not joined the party and assured its members and supporters that the party remains strong and united. They denounced the individuals spreading these rumors as “gatecrashers” who have transformed the state’s most formidable opposition party into a desirable target for political maneuvering.
The APC’s emphatic denial of the defection rumors serves to clarify the party’s position and counter the narrative being promoted by the governor’s camp. The statement emphasizes the lack of any ongoing discussions or plans for Adeleke to join the APC, highlighting the significant procedural and political hurdles that would accompany such a move. The party’s firm stance aims to quell speculation and reassure its members and supporters of its internal stability and commitment to its political agenda.
The Osun APC’s response also underscores the political dynamics at play within the state. The rumors of Adeleke’s potential defection appear to be a strategic maneuver, possibly aimed at creating a perception of political instability within the opposition or bolstering the governor’s own political standing. By firmly rejecting these rumors, the APC seeks to maintain its position as a strong and cohesive opposition force, while simultaneously dispelling any notion of internal division or susceptibility to external influence.
In conclusion, the Osun APC’s statement serves as a forceful rejection of the fabricated narrative surrounding Governor Adeleke’s purported defection. The party’s unequivocal denial, coupled with its criticism of the rumor-mongering, underscores its commitment to maintaining party unity and countering any attempts to undermine its political standing. The statement reinforces the APC’s resolve to remain a formidable opposition force in Osun State and highlights the complex political maneuvering that characterizes the state’s political landscape.
