Adeleke rules out APC defection, says supporting Tinubu remains unaffected

Re-elected Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ruled out any immediate plan to defect from his political party to the All Progressives Congress (APC), saying such a move is not currently on his agenda.

Adeleke made his position known during an interview with Channels Television on Sunday night, shortly after securing victory in the Osun State governorship election.

The governor was asked whether he envisaged himself joining the APC anytime soon, particularly amid his stated support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In response, Adeleke said he was not considering defection to the ruling party at the moment, stressing that the issue was not part of his current political plans.

“I’m not thinking about that right now. It’s not on my agenda but that doesn’t mean I cannot still support Mr President,” Adeleke said.

His remarks appeared to draw a distinction between partisan affiliation and his relationship with the Federal Government, indicating that his decision to remain outside the APC would not prevent him from supporting policies or initiatives of President Tinubu where he considers them beneficial to the people.

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Adeleke’s comments also come amid heightened political realignments in the country, with several opposition politicians and political actors recently reassessing their affiliations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Despite the political speculation surrounding his relationship with the ruling party, the Osun governor maintained that defection was not presently under consideration.

The governor, who successfully secured another term in office, has continued to emphasise his commitment to the people of Osun State while maintaining that his support for the President should not necessarily be interpreted as an indication that he intends to join the APC.

Adeleke’s latest statement is therefore likely to put to rest, at least for now, speculation that his political relationship with President Tinubu could lead to his eventual movement into the ruling party.

While he did not completely rule out any future political development, his position was clear that joining the APC was not presently part of his plans.