Adeleke’s Visit to Tinubu Customary, No Plan to Join APC — TICC
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
The Imole Campaign Council has dismissed reports suggesting that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, is planning to defect from the Accord Party to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying his recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was purely a customary post-election engagement.
The council made this known in a statement issued on Friday by its Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam.
Salam said the governor’s visit to the President was in line with political tradition following the conclusion of the Osun State governorship election.
He said Adeleke, having emerged victorious in the election, had a responsibility to pay his respects to the President and appreciate his office, particularly against the backdrop of Tinubu’s repeated calls before the election for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to ensure a free, fair and credible poll.
According to him, the meeting also provided an opportunity for the President and the governor to discuss issues concerning peace, security and the development of Osun State after the election.
The council, however, described reports linking the visit to a possible defection by Adeleke to the APC as unfounded.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the visit of Mr Governor and top members of his campaign team had absolutely nothing to do with a plan to move from Accord to the All Progressives Congress as being insinuated in certain quarters,” Salam said.
He further stated that the issue of Adeleke leaving the Accord Party did not arise during the meeting with the President.
“We wish to state unequivocally that at no stage during the visit to Mr President was the issue of decamping to the APC discussed,” he said.
The council thanked President Tinubu for receiving Adeleke and members of his team, assuring supporters that the governor remained focused on his administration and committed to serving the people of Osun State.
Salam said the governor would continue to work for the interests of the people who supported him in the recently concluded election.