OSUN POLITICS: ADELEKE CAN’T SHORTCUT INTO APC, OMISORE SAYS

Abuja, Nigeria – Senator Iyiola Omisore, a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, has stated that Governor Ademola Adeleke cannot join the All Progressives Congress (APC) by leveraging his relationship with Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun. Omisore, a former National Secretary of the APC, emphasized that Adeleke must engage with the local structure of the party if he intends to defect, rather than seeking influence from outside the state.

According to Omisore, Adeleke’s potential defection to the APC is driven by fear of losing his second-term bid. He dismissed the idea that Adeleke could be “anchored” into the party by a governor from another state, stressing that politics is fundamentally local.

“Politics is very local,” Omisore said. “If he must join us, he has to start from the grassroots.” He reiterated that the APC is not divided in Osun State and that Adeleke has the constitutional right to associate with any party, but must follow the proper channels.

Omisore’s comments come amid widespread speculation about Adeleke’s political future. The Osun State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) caucus recently declared its unwavering support for Adeleke and pledged to follow him wherever he goes as he continues his consultations on a potential defection.

However, the Osun State chapter of the APC has denied any such defection, with its spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, describing the claims as a “lie from the pit of hell” and citing constitutional hurdles to cross.

Adeleke has yet to publicly confirm his intentions, but Omisore’s statement underscores the complexities of party politics in Osun State. As a former National Secretary of the APC, Omisore’s views carry significant weight, and his assertion that Adeleke must start from the grassroots level highlights the challenges that lie ahead for the governor.

The development has sparked intense debate among political analysts and stakeholders in Osun State, with some arguing that Adeleke’s potential defection could significantly impact the state’s political landscape.

Omisore’s stance on Adeleke’s potential defection is clear: the governor must follow the proper channels and engage with the local structure of the APC. Whether Adeleke will heed this advice remains to be seen.

Adeleke’s political future hangs in the balance as he navigates the complexities of party politics in Osun State. With the PDP caucus standing by him, the outcome of his consultations on a potential defection will be closely watched.

The APC’s internal dynamics will also be crucial in determining Adeleke’s fate. As the party’s Osun State chapter denies any involvement in Adeleke’s potential defection, it remains to be seen how the party will respond to Adeleke’s overtures ¹.