Fresh Details Emerge on How Oyetola, Others Blocked Adeleke’s Defection to APC

Governor Ademola Adeleke’s reported plan to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) was allegedly frustrated by influential figures within the ruling party in Osun State, according to fresh claims made by the Chairman of the Imole Campaign Council (ICC), Rep. Bamidele Salam.

Salam disclosed that Adeleke had seriously considered leaving his former political platform for the APC after receiving invitations and holding consultations with key stakeholders within the party.

However, he said resistance from some APC leaders in Osun eventually stalled the move.

Speaking during an interview, Salam claimed that while the governor was willing to align with the ruling party, certain interests within the APC were uncomfortable with the prospect of his entry and worked against it.

According to him, opposition to Adeleke’s proposed defection came mainly from individuals who feared that his arrival in the APC would alter the political calculations ahead of future elections in the state.

He stated that the governor had responded positively to discussions about joining the party and explored the possibility through consultations with major political actors.

However, the process reportedly ran into difficulties after some APC members openly opposed the move.

Salam alleged that attempts were made to discourage the governor’s entry into the party through public statements and political pressure.

He argued that the resistance showed that some influential figures within the APC were unwilling to accommodate Adeleke despite earlier efforts to bring him into the fold.

“But what happened was that, there are people in the APC, especially in Osun State, who felt very uncomfortable with Governor Adeleke joining the party led by the Minister of Blue Economy, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola,” Salam said.

He further claimed that the governor eventually abandoned the idea after it became clear that there was no consensus within the APC regarding his admission.

Salam insisted that Adeleke had done his part by considering the invitation and engaging in consultations, but was met with opposition from party stakeholders who did not want him in their ranks.

The lawmaker also referenced recent comments allegedly made by former Osun governor and APC chieftain, Otunba Iyiola Omisore, regarding resistance to Adeleke’s planned move.

According to Salam, concerns within the APC were linked to fears that Adeleke’s entry could affect the political ambitions of some party members ahead of the next governorship contest.

Speaking on Adeleke’s current political position, Salam said the governor remains comfortable in the Accord Party and has continued to strengthen the platform since leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He explained that Adeleke’s departure from the PDP followed prolonged leadership disputes within the party at a critical period when preparations for candidate nominations were ongoing.

Salam said the uncertainty surrounding the PDP leadership structure forced the governor and his supporters to seek an alternative platform before electoral deadlines expired.

“The Governor left the PDP then, because the party had no definitive leadership and the window for the nomination of candidates was about to close,” he said.

According to him, the decision to move to the Accord Party has significantly improved the party’s profile in Osun State and attracted fresh political support from different parts of the country.

The ICC chairman also spoke about preparations for the forthcoming Osun governorship election scheduled for August 15, 2026. He expressed confidence that Adeleke remains popular among voters and is well positioned ahead of the poll.

Salam, however, raised concerns over security challenges in the state. He condemned recent incidents of violence and killings and called on security agencies to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

He urged the Inspector-General of Police to intensify efforts to protect residents and guarantee a peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the governorship election.

The lawmaker alleged that political violence and intimidation had become major concerns in parts of the state. He called for increased surveillance and stronger enforcement measures to prevent any breakdown of law and order as campaigns gather momentum.

Salam concluded that a free and credible election can only be achieved if security agencies remain neutral and provide adequate protection for voters, electoral officials and political actors throughout the electoral process.