Osun APC faces internal turmoil as supporters of governorship aspirants Ajibola Bashiru (SRJ) and Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO) clash over President Tinubu’s visits with the Adeleke family and accusations of loyalty, potentially jeopardizing the party’s 2026 prospects
[dropcap]O[/dropcap]sun APC tensions have reached a boiling point, as the All Progressives Congress (APC) chapter in Osun State grapples with a burgeoning war of words.
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The conflict pits loyalists of two prominent governorship aspirants, Dr. Ajibola Bashiru (SRJ) and Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji (AMBO), against each other amidst growing suspicion surrounding President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent engagements with the Adeleke family.
The core of the controversy stems from a series of high-profile visits by key members of the Adeleke political dynasty, including Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and his nephew, award-winning singer Davido, to President Tinubu’s Lagos residence.
While no official explanation for these meetings has been provided, the optics have reportedly sparked significant unease among APC supporters in Osun, fueling fears of a potential behind-the-scenes alliance ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.
Tensions escalated dramatically when some supporters affiliated with the AMBO camp were accused of insulting President Tinubu, allegedly over a perceived plan to “sell” the party’s ticket to the Adeleke family.
Conversely, SRJ’s supporters faced counter-accusations of being loyalists of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, allegedly working to destabilize the party from within.
In a sharp retort, Dr. Ajibola Bashiru addressed his supporters, directly responding to insinuations from the Oyebamiji camp regarding his continued alignment with Aregbesola.
While acknowledging their past alliance, Bashiru swiftly redirected the focus onto his rival.
“Let’s not pretend,” he stated pointedly. “Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola played a central role in restoring progressive governance in Osun. I was one of the lead counsels in that journey. But if we’re talking loyalty, then let’s talk facts; Bola Oyebamiji is still taking instructions from Aregbesola.”
Bashiru further contended that Oyebamiji’s extensive service under Aregbesola, including roles as Chairman of Osicol and Commissioner for Finance, undermines any claims of political independence from the former governor.
“They’re trying to label me a stooge to Aregbesola just to curry favor with Oyetola’s allies, yet they remain deeply tied to him,” he asserted, condemning the alleged actions as “nothing but hypocrisy.”
They’re trying to label me a stooge to Aregbesola just to curry favor with Oyetola’s allies, yet they remain deeply tied to him. It’s nothing but hypocrisy.
However, the AMBO Media Front, led by Adebayo Adedeji, was quick to issue a blistering statement in response, vehemently denying claims that their supporters had insulted the President over the Adeleke visits.
“We wish to categorically state that no supporter of the AMBO project has insulted or disrespected President Tinubu,” the statement read. “The claim is a fabrication; mischievous and intended to tarnish our principal’s image.”
The statement reaffirmed Oyebamiji’s unwavering loyalty to the APC and the Tinubu-led administration, highlighting his current work as MD/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and his strong alignment with the “Renewed Hope” agenda, particularly in advancing the marine and blue economy sectors.
“Since the news of the Adeleke visit broke, no member of our team; online or offline, has said anything remotely disrespectful about the President or any party leader,” Adedeji noted, emphasizing their focus on “issues, not distractions.”
Political observers suggest that this public spat exposes deeper, underlying rifts within the Osun APC.
With the party still reeling from its loss in the 2022 gubernatorial election, insiders express concern that persistent internal strife could derail efforts to mount a credible challenge in the upcoming 2026 race.
Even more concerning for party strategists is the growing perception, whether accurate or not, that President Tinubu may be developing a closer relationship with the Adeleke dynasty.
Some party members argue that these fears are not entirely unfounded, citing what they describe as the Adelekes’ “history of political disloyalty,” often characterized by switching party allegiance to align with their ambitions.
Also read: Aregbesola launches APC Omoluabi caucus, restates commitment to preserving progressive tradition
As the situation stands, the APC in Osun appears to be navigating a precarious political tightrope. A misstep now could potentially lead the party into the 2026 election more fractured and divided than ever before.
