A group of All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Osun State have expressed strong disagreement with the idea of offering Governor Ademola Adeleke an automatic ticket to contest for governor under the APC if he chooses to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
On Friday, party loyalists gathered at the APC state secretariat in Osogbo for a peaceful demonstration, displaying placards that read: “No vacancy in APC,” “We say no to Ademola Adeleke,” and “Our party is not for sale.”
The group, visibly displeased with the speculations surrounding Adeleke’s rumored move to the APC, said the governor should not be given special privileges at the expense of other loyal aspirants.
While there has been no official confirmation from either Governor Adeleke or the APC leadership regarding the alleged defection plan, the rumor has stirred heated debates across the state’s political space.
The concern among APC members is not necessarily about Adeleke’s entry into the party, but the possibility that he might be granted the party’s governorship ticket without going through the proper process.
Taofeek Afolabi, who led the protesters, spoke to journalists and made their position clear. He said, “We are members of the All Progressives Congress, and we are here this morning to register our concern over the rumoured defection of Governor Ademola Adeleke to the APC.”
He further noted that while Adeleke’s presence in the party would likely strengthen its political strength, handing him the governorship ticket without a primary election would be unjust to others who have already shown interest in contesting.
“We are not saying he should not join our party. Adeleke joining the APC will certainly boost our ranks. He is the sitting governor, and having him with us will strengthen the party,” Afolabi said.
He continued by pointing out the core issue at stake. “However, what we oppose is the idea of giving Governor Adeleke an automatic ticket. If he wants to re-contest, he should show interest and contest for the gubernatorial ticket alongside other aspirants.”
Reiterating their position, Afolabi also noted, “There are people who have already indicated interest in the race, and we believe it would be unfair to hand the ticket to Adeleke automatically.”
“That is our only concern. We have no issue with him joining our party,” he added.
The protest ended without any disturbance, but the message from the aggrieved members was clear — any move to impose Adeleke as the party’s candidate could cause internal conflict within the APC ahead of the next election.
