APC in Anambra and Osun Faces Political Turmoil as Soludo and Adeleke Engage President Tinubu Ahead of Crucial Polls

Political tensions have escalated within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra and Osun states following President Bola Tinubu’s engagements with Governors Chukwuma Soludo and Ademola Adeleke. These interactions have unsettled many APC members who fear the party’s electoral prospects may be compromised.

In Osun, the situation is particularly fraught among supporters of Minister Gboyega Oyetola. Adeleke’s June 3 visit to Tinubu’s Lagos home, accompanied by his brother Deji and nephew Davido, sparked rumors of a potential defection from PDP to APC. This speculation intensified after Femi Gbajabiamila’s May 20 visit to Adeleke at the Government House.

Oyetola’s loyalists expressed strong opposition to Adeleke’s overtures. At a press briefing, former Assembly Speaker Timothy Owoeye declared Adeleke unwelcome in the APC, accusing him of “desperate” attempts to avoid defeat. Owoeye remarked, “If not for fear of the unknown disturbing Adeleke’s family and the PDP, they wouldn’t be showing intention of coming to the APC.”

Osun APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi suggested Adeleke’s visit signals doubt over his chances in the PDP, questioning, “Why is he hobnobbing with the national leader of the APC if he has nothing to do with the party?” He alleged Adeleke’s efforts aim to undermine APC’s victory.

In response, PDP’s Oladele Bamiji accused APC members of arrogance and naivety, emphasizing that meetings between the President and governors are routine and not political endorsements. He accused APC of planning to rig the 2026 election, saying, “They may be afraid of their own shadow.”

An anonymous APC insider voiced concerns over Tinubu’s unpredictable political tactics, recalling his 2023 maneuvering in Oyo State. The insider warned against Adeleke’s possible APC entry, fearing it would undermine loyal party members.

A senior aide to Adeleke clarified the governor’s visit to Tinubu was to address the ongoing local government crisis in Osun, caused by disputes over council control and federal withholding of funds. The aide said, “The governor met the President to discuss a way out of the local government crisis and to request a soft landing in next year’s local government election.”

In Anambra, President Tinubu’s May 8 visit to inaugurate Soludo’s projects stirred controversy. Some APC members and APGA viewed it as an endorsement of Soludo’s second term bid. However, APC state chairman Basil Ejidike and Deputy Publicity Secretary Osita Ibeh denied any alliance, affirming their candidate Nicholas Ukachukwu’s campaign for the November 8, 2025 election.

Ibeh declared, “There is no alliance between APC and APGA in Anambra. APC is Tinubu and Tinubu is APC. We will win on our own.”

As the elections draw near, APC’s internal divisions in Anambra and Osun highlight the complex interplay between party loyalty, presidential influence, and gubernatorial ambitions involving Soludo, Adeleke, and Tinubu.