Tinubu’s meetings with Osun’s Adeleke and Anambra’s Soludo spark tensions within the APC. Party leaders fear a repeat of the Oyo scenario, where Tinubu allegedly backed an opposition governor. As the 2026 elections near, speculation about defections and political alliances heightens.
- Adeleke met Tinubu in Lagos with Davido and his brother, Dr. Deji Adeleke.
- Osun APC leaders fear Adeleke may defect or win Tinubu's backing.
- Soludo hosted Tinubu for project launches, triggering APGA-APC alliance rumours.
- APC insists Tinubu has not endorsed Soludo or Adeleke.
- INEC has scheduled Osun’s governorship election for August 6, 2026, and Anambra’s for November 8, 2025.
- The LG funding crisis in Osun played a role in Adeleke’s visit.
In Osun, APC loyalists to Gboyega Oyetola, including Timothy Owoeye and Kola Olabisi, reject Adeleke’s overtures. They claim the governor’s charm offensive is rooted in fear of PDP’s weakening grip and a bid to woo Tinubu for political cover amid unresolved LG funding crises and legal battles.
Meanwhile, in Anambra, Soludo’s warm reception for Tinubu during a project tour sparked rumours of an APGA-APC alignment. But APC leaders in the state quickly pushed back, reaffirming their loyalty and declaring that Tinubu's sole interest is in reclaiming Anambra for APC.
With the 2026 elections inching closer, these cross-party visits are more than courtesy calls, they’re strategic moves in a high-stakes game. While both Adeleke and Soludo deny defection or endorsement claims, their engagement with Tinubu could shape how deeply the APC controls the South-West and South-East in the coming years.
