By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja
The Imole Campaign Council has dismissed reports that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, is planning to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing his recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a customary engagement following the conclusion of the state’s off-cycle election.
The council, in a statement issued on Friday by its Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee, Rep. Bamidele Salam, said Adeleke’s visit to the President was in keeping with political tradition and had nothing to do with any plan to leave his political platform for the ruling APC.
According to the council, governors who emerge victorious in off-cycle elections have a responsibility to pay respect to the President and Commander-in-Chief, particularly where the Federal Government had publicly committed to ensuring a free and fair electoral process.
The council said Adeleke’s visit also provided an opportunity for the President and the governor to discuss issues relating to peace, security and the development of Osun State following what it described as a tense election.
“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,” the statement said.
The council further stated that the issue of defection was not discussed during the meeting with Tinubu.
“We wish to state unequivocally that at no stage during the visit to Mr President was the issue of decamping to the APC discussed,” it added.
The clarification comes amid speculation over Adeleke’s political future following his recent electoral victory in Osun State and his meeting with the President.
The Imole Campaign Council expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for granting the governor and members of his campaign team the opportunity to meet with him.
It also assured Adeleke’s supporters that the governor remained committed to serving the people of Osun State, whom it said had stood firmly behind him during the recently concluded election.
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