Ajibola Basiru’s Supporters Unfazed As Adeleke Defection Rumours Trend

Supporters of Ajibola Basiru have largely ignored the growing rumours that Governor Ademola Adeleke is on the verge of joining the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Rather, they have remained focused on drumming up support for the gubernatorial ambition of their principal,” sources confirmed.

Basiru, a former senator and the current National Secretary of the APC, is widely seen as the leading contender for the party’s 2026 governorship ticket in Osun State.

His growing stature is built on consistent grassroots visibility, reconciliation efforts within the party, and a bold approach to challenging the opposition — all of which have helped reposition the APC after its 2022 electoral setback.

That year, the party, with then-Governor Gboyega Oyetola as flagbearer, narrowly lost the governorship to the PDP’s Ademola Adeleke.

The PDP’s strong showing in the 2023 general elections — including its performance in the presidential race — further weakened APC morale.

However, with the APC back in control of the federal government and a majority of states, the party has steadily regained its footing in Osun — and many credit Basiru’s strategic leadership as a key factor in that resurgence.

Within the party, he is viewed as the ideal candidate to help reclaim Osun, given his high-profile efforts to rebuild internal unity and public confidence.

But recent developments have introduced an unexpected twist: growing speculation that Governor Adeleke may be preparing to defect to the APC and seek re-election under its platform.

According to these claims — yet to be officially confirmed — Adeleke’s alleged move is part of a broader political calculation: a deal that could secure him a second term while boosting the APC’s prospects in the 2027 general elections.

The rumour gained further traction after cryptic remarks from Wole Oke, a long-serving federal legislator who recently left the PDP for the APC.

On Saturday, July 5, 2025, Oke posted on social media: “OSUN 2026! There is no other way. Don’t be surprised if it happens. The herbalism in me foresaw it. But if I were to be the DUKE 001, I would stay back in my club and fight like a man, instead of causing problems in my club and others. The move may be counterproductive. The Talisman from Cuba is waiting and watching.”

While the post stopped short of naming Adeleke, the innuendos were unmistakable — and have since become the subject of intense political chatter across Osun.

“Still, rather than be distracted, Basiru and his supporters have kept their eyes on the prize.

“They continue to step up public engagement efforts — including distributing a new profile flyer titled “Meet Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru”, which outlines his track record and vision for the state” checks revealed.

As the political landscape shifts and the 2026 election draws closer, the contest in Osun is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in the country — with Basiru’s focused campaign and Adeleke’s rumored maneuvering setting the stage for high-stakes drama.