The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Surajudeen Ajibola Basiru, has met with Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke as political consultations intensify ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Basiru visited Adeleke at the Osun State Government House in Osogbo on Sunday, in what he described as a three-pronged engagement: to congratulate the governor on his victory in the August 15 governorship election, appreciate him for attending the burial of his late mother, and discuss support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Basiru, who supported the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, during the governorship election, acknowledged Adeleke’s victory and said political differences should not prevent leaders from maintaining cordial relationships.
He said Adeleke’s attendance at his mother’s burial was a gesture he considered consistent with the Yoruba value of Omoluabi, noting that the governor had visited his family during the period of mourning.
The APC national secretary said the meeting also focused on building cooperation between the APC and Adeleke’s political structure in Osun ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to Basiru, Adeleke had reaffirmed his commitment to supporting President Tinubu and would work towards delivering Osun State for the President.
Adeleke subsequently publicly declared that his commitment to Tinubu was genuine, describing the President as his “dear father” and saying he would deliver Osun votes to him. He also urged politicians in the state to put aside their differences and work together.
Basiru further disclosed that discussions were underway to bring the Accord Party structure, which supported Adeleke in the governorship election, into a broader campaign structure for Tinubu’s 2027 re-election.
He said a combined effort between the APC and Accord structures could significantly increase Tinubu’s support base in Osun, with one report quoting him as targeting as many as 1.5 million votes for the President.
The meeting comes just weeks after Adeleke defeated the APC’s Oyebamiji in the August 15 governorship election. Adeleke secured 511,067 votes, while Oyebamiji polled 444,815 votes.
Basiru also called on APC members to close ranks following the party’s defeat and urged political actors and residents to maintain peace and focus on the development of Osun State.
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