Fresh indications of political realignments ahead of the 2027 general election emerged in Osun State as the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Ademola Adeleke and pledged support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The visit has generated significant political interest because Basiru was one of the leading figures in the APC campaign against Adeleke during the recently concluded governorship election in the state.
Speaking during the visit, Basiru admitted that the defeat suffered by the APC was painful for members of the party, particularly those who invested considerable resources and effort into the campaign.
“Yes, it is very painful for some of us that he defeated our party in the election. I campaigned in at least 12 local governments for my candidate and I deployed all resources to ensure that we won the election,” he said.
Despite the electoral rivalry, Basiru said the election had become history and that political leaders must now prioritise peace, unity and development within Osun State.
According to him, his visit was motivated by three reasons: appreciation for Adeleke’s support during the burial of his late mother, congratulations on the governor’s electoral victory and gratitude for Adeleke’s endorsement of President Tinubu’s 2027 presidential ambition.
The APC national secretary pledged to work with the governor to mobilise support for Tinubu ahead of the next presidential election.
The development came shortly after APC governorship candidate Asiwaju Bola Oyebamiji publicly congratulated Adeleke on his victory and promised to support initiatives that promote peace and development in the state.
Governor Adeleke, in response, expressed appreciation to traditional rulers and supporters who stood by him throughout the election period, which he described as highly challenging.
During a visit to the Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup, the governor presented his Certificate of Return and attributed his victory to divine intervention.
The monarch described Adeleke as “the David of our time,” stating that his re-election reflected the triumph of God’s will over political opposition.
Political observers believe the latest developments could reshape alliances in Osun State as parties begin positioning for the 2027 general elections.
