There is tension within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun and Anambra states following what party insiders describe as President Bola Tinubu’s increasingly warm relations with opposition governors Ademola Adeleke and Chukwuma Soludo.
Findings by Sunday PUNCH indicate that several APC members, particularly those eyeing the governorship seats in both states, are worried that the president’s overtures to the two governors could undermine the party’s chances in future elections.
In Osun, members loyal to the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, have expressed discontent over Adeleke’s recent high-profile visit to Tinubu’s Lagos residence. The June 3 meeting included Adeleke’s brother, billionaire businessman Deji Adeleke, and his nephew, Afrobeat star Davido, further fueling speculation about Adeleke’s political future.
Earlier on May 20, Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, also paid a visit to Governor Adeleke at the Osun State Government House after delivering a lecture at Osun State University.
These visits have triggered heated debates on social media and within political circles, with many speculating that Adeleke may be considering a defection to the APC, particularly as other PDP governors have recently crossed over to the ruling party.
A similar atmosphere is building in Anambra, where President Tinubu’s rapport with Governor Soludo has raised eyebrows among APC stakeholders preparing for the 2025 gubernatorial election.
While no formal declarations have been made, party members fear that such perceived alliances could send mixed signals to voters and weaken the party’s base.
