Says his defection will boost APC’s chances

As the controversy over the rumoured defection of Governor Ademola Adeleke to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun festers, a group within the party, identified as The Osun APC Youths Liberation Movement, has chided a former national secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore, for describing Adeleke as a political “orphan” desperately seeking re-election.

The group contended that if the governor switches camp to APC, the development will boost the party’s electoral chances ahead of the August 8, 2026, gubernatorial poll.

Omisore, while appearing on Channels TV’s Politics Today on Wednesday, described the governor as an orphan seeking refuge in the APC to fulfil his second-term ambition.

Addressing a press briefing at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Correspondents’ Chapel in Osogbo on Thursday, the state coordinator of the group, Comrade Ajasa Oluwaseun, alongside other state executives, emphasised that Adeleke’s political strength and influence cannot be downplayed, considering his impressive electoral history and growing popularity across the state.

He also contended that Adeleke’s defection to the APC would be a significant political gain for the progressive family in the state and a strategic move ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He said, “Let’s take a moment to reflect on Senator Ademola Adeleke’s political journey. In the 2017 Osun West Senatorial bye-election, he defeated the APC candidate in nine out of the 10 local governments, despite his party being in control at both the state and federal levels.

“In the keenly contested 2018 gubernatorial election, he gave our candidate, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, a serious run for his money. By 2022, he returned stronger and eventually unseated the incumbent Governor Oyetola to become the sitting governor of Osun State.

“Given his strong political credentials and the achievements recorded so far under his administration, any move by Governor Adeleke to join the APC should be seen as a welcome development. It is well within his constitutional right to associate with any political party of his choice, and we, as a youth group, believe his defection would be a great asset to the APC ahead of 2027,” Ajasa added.

Meanwhile, the group has lampooned former Omisore for referring to Adeleke as an “orphan.”

“At a time when all hands should be on deck to reposition the APC for future electoral victories, Senator Omisore’s choice of words is not only distasteful but also divisive. Leaders must rise above petty politics and focus on strengthening the party,” the group noted.