Five All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers from Osun State have firmly rejected claims that President Bola Tinubu endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term in the upcoming August 15 governorship election. The legislators, known as the G-5 caucus, issued a joint statement in Osogbo on Sunday, asserting that no such endorsement exists and urging the public to ignore what they called misleading narratives. The group, composed of Senators Adenigba Fadahunsi and Olubiyi Fadeyi, and Representatives Oluwole Oke, Bimbo Ajilesoro, and Sanya Omirin, all recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.
In their statement, the lawmakers said they had been alarmed by false claims circulating, particularly from members of the Accord Party, that President Tinubu had secretly agreed to support Governor Adeleke. They emphasized that the President never held any political meeting with the governor and that their only interaction was a Sallah homage paid by Adeleke’s family in Lagos the previous year. The lawmakers stressed that during their own meetings with President Tinubu, he had never expressed support for Adeleke or any candidate outside the APC.
They further clarified that the APC has already nominated Bola Oyebamiji as its official candidate for the Osun governorship election, a position that enjoys the backing of party stakeholders across the state. The lawmakers questioned the logic of President Tinubu endorsing an opposition candidate while his own party fields a strong contender in the same race. They also pointed out contradictions in the actions of Adeleke’s supporters, noting that some individuals linked to the governor have publicly criticized President Tinubu, undermining claims of a political alliance.
The G-5 caucus called on APC members and voters in Osun to remain loyal to the party’s campaign and to reject what they described as false narratives spread by opposition elements. They reaffirmed their commitment to President Tinubu, assuring him of continued political support from Osun APC and promising to deliver significant votes in future elections. The lawmakers urged residents to rally behind Bola Oyebamiji and support the APC’s candidate in the upcoming poll.
As the election approaches, the clarification from the G-5 caucus aims to clarify the party’s stance and prevent confusion among voters. The statement underscores the importance of accurate information in Nigeria’s electoral process and highlights the ongoing political dynamics in Osun State. With the campaign season heating up, this development may influence voter perceptions and party loyalty in the crucial August 15 election.
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