Tensions are escalating within the All Progressives Congress (APC) as President Bola Tinubu’s close relationships with state governors in Osun and Anambra have sparked controversy among party members.
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Reports from Sunday PUNCH indicate that discontent has surfaced over Tinubu’s visible support for Governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra, raising concerns about the impact on APC candidates in upcoming governorship elections.
In Osun, discontent is particularly evident among party leaders aligned with former Governor Gboyega Oyetola. They were unsettled by Adeleke’s visit to Tinubu’s Lagos residence on June 3, where the governor was accompanied by his brother, billionaire businessman Dr. Deji Adeleke, and nephew, popular musician Davido.
Earlier, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, visited Adeleke after giving a lecture at Osun State University on May 20, further fueling speculation that the governor may consider switching allegiance to the APC, especially in light of defections by other state governors from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
As the situation progressed, social media became a battleground for supporters of both Adeleke and the APC. Some of Adeleke’s past critics within the APC found themselves defending his potential switch, while Oyetola’s loyalists voiced their displeasure, fearing a repeat of past mistakes, such as Tinubu’s support for opposition Governor Seyi Makinde in Oyo State during the 2023 elections.
During a press conference led by former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, the APC members made it clear that Adeleke was not welcome in their fold, asserting that the party’s ticket was not for sale. They accused Adeleke of desperation in seeking refuge in the APC due to fear of losing the upcoming election.
Olabisi, the Osun APC spokesperson, expressed skepticism regarding Adeleke’s viability in the next governorship election, suggesting that all previous factors leading to his 2022 win had diminished. “Why is he hobnobbing with the national leader of the APC if he has nothing to do with the party?” Olabisi questioned, emphasizing that he would have to overcome significant obstacles to join the APC.
On the PDP side, spokesperson Oladele Bamiji criticized the APC for its perceived arrogance, asserting that Adeleke’s meetings with Tinubu should not be viewed as an issue given their responsibilities to govern and discuss political matters for their states. He contended that the APC’s fear stems from their own inadequacies rather than any real threat posed by Adeleke’s relationships.
Moreover, insiders within the APC have raised alarm about Tinubu’s relationship with Adeleke, arguing that it seems unfair to prioritize the governor at the expense of dedicated party members. The unease centers around past instances where Tinubu’s political maneuvers appeared to undermine party candidates.
Despite these tensions, sources close to Adeleke insist that his recent meeting with Tinubu was not about joining the APC, but rather focusing on resolving local government disputes in Osun. The state has been grappling with disruptions due to the control of local councils, and discussions were aimed at securing funding and establishing a clearer political landscape.
In a parallel situation in Anambra, similar sentiments have emerged following Tinubu’s visit to inaugurate projects under Soludo. Some APC members expressed dissatisfaction, perceiving it as an endorsement of Soludo’s potential second term. However, state APC officials quickly dismissed these notions, asserting that there is no alliance with the ruling party in Anambra.
As the political landscape shifts and the governorship elections approach—Osun’s set for August 6, 2026, and Anambra’s for November 8, 2025—the fallout from Tinubu’s connections with these governors may have significant implications for the APC’s strategies and unity moving forward.
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