The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra and Osun is currently facing significant internal unrest following President Bola Tinubu’s interactions with Governors Chukwuma Soludo and Ademola Adeleke. The perceived closeness between the President and these governors has sparked fears among APC members about the party’s electoral chances.
In Osun State, supporters of Minister Gboyega Oyetola have expressed dissatisfaction with Adeleke’s June 3 visit to Tinubu’s Lagos residence, where he was accompanied by his brother Dr. Deji Adeleke and nephew Davido. The visit, coupled with Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila’s earlier visit to Adeleke, has fueled speculation about Adeleke’s possible defection from PDP to APC.
Oyetola’s loyalists condemned the visit, fearing a repeat of the 2023 Oyo election scenario where Tinubu backed opposition Governor Seyi Makinde over the APC candidate. Former Speaker Timothy Owoeye led APC leaders in declaring Adeleke unwelcome, accusing him of a “desperate move” to escape defeat. Owoeye said, “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 questioned Adeleke’s intentions, highlighting his previous public disassociation from APC. He said, “Why is he hobnobbing with the national leader of the APC if he has nothing to do with the party?”
Meanwhile, PDP spokesperson Oladele Bamiji accused APC members of arrogance and claimed that meetings between the President and governors are normal governance affairs, not political endorsements. Bamiji added, “They may be afraid of their own shadow.”
An anonymous APC insider expressed concern about Tinubu’s unpredictable political moves, referencing his 2023 strategy in Oyo State. The insider warned that Adeleke’s entry into APC could undermine loyal members.
A senior aide to Adeleke clarified the governor’s visit was to discuss the local government crisis in Osun, where governance has stalled due to disputes over council control and federal fund withholding. 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 caused controversy. APC members and APGA viewed it as an endorsement of Soludo’s second term bid. However, APC 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 stated, “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 2025 and 2026 governorship elections approach, APC faces internal challenges in Anambra and Osun, complicated by the political dynamics involving Soludo, Adeleke, and Tinubu.