Five lawmakers of the All Progressives Congress, APC, representing Osun State in the National Assembly have rejected claims that President Bola Tinubu endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term.
The legislators, operating under the G-5 caucus, said there was no agreement or assurance from the President to support Governor Adeleke in the forthcoming August 15 governorship election in Osun State.
In a statement issued in Osogbo on Sunday, the lawmakers urged members of the public to disregard what they described as misleading claims about a purported alliance between Tinubu and Adeleke.
The statement was jointly signed by Senators Adenigba Fadahunsi and Olubiyi Fadeyi and Representatives Oluwole Oke, Bimbo Ajilesoro, and Sanya Omirin, all of whom recently defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the APC.
They said, “Our attention has been drawn to the lies being peddled by some members of the Accord Party about President Bola Tinubu’s support for Governor Ademola Adeleke in the next governorship poll.
“We feel it is time to put an end to the lies and stop their further spread. The President did not at any time endorse or approve Governor Adeleke’s candidacy.”
According to them, President Tinubu never held any political meeting with Governor Adeleke, noting that the only encounter between both figures was a Sallah homage paid by the governor’s family in Lagos the previous year.
They stated that in their various meetings with the President, he had not expressed any interest in Adeleke’s re-election bid or indicated support for any candidate outside the APC.
The group maintained that the party already has a candidate in Bola Oyebamiji, who they said is actively contesting and enjoyed the backing of party stakeholders.
Questioning the credibility of the alleged endorsement, the lawmakers said it would be illogical for the President to support an opposition figure while his party fields a candidate in the same election.
They also criticised what they described as contradictory behaviour by Adeleke’s supporters, alleging that individuals linked to the governor had publicly criticised Tinubu despite claims of an alliance.
The lawmakers called on APC members and voters in Osun to remain committed to the party’s campaign and disregard what they termed false narratives from opposition elements.
They assured President Tinubu of continued political support from Osun APC, stating that the party would deliver significant votes in future elections.
They also urged residents to support Oyebamiji in the forthcoming poll.
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