Osun APC Excludes Adeleke from Tinubu Campaign Structure, Names Oyebamiji DG

The decision followed disagreements within the party over Adeleke’s role in coordinating Tinubu’s re-election campaign in the state.

Adeleke, who recently defected to the Accord Party, had inaugurated a 344-member Presidential Campaign Council in Osogbo and appointed himself as its coordinator.

However, the inauguration was attended by neither former Osun Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, nor the state party chairman, Tajudeen Lawal.

In a statement issued on Monday, Lawal announced the formation of the new APC campaign council, saying it was established to strengthen the party’s mobilisation efforts and secure support for Tinubu and all APC candidates contesting the National and State Assembly elections.

Under the new arrangement, Oyebamiji was appointed Director-General, while Lawal will serve as Deputy Director-General.

Oyebamiji’s running mate, Benjamin Adereti, and Kehinde Olamolu were named Assistant Directors-General I and II, respectively.

The council also comprises the party’s three senatorial candidates, nine House of Representatives candidates, four former deputy governors and other prominent APC members.

Those listed include former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Foluke Etteh; former deputy governors Adeleke Adewoyin, Iyiola Omisore, Titi Laoye-Ponnle and Adegboyega Alabi; retired General Alani Akinrinade; and Nigeria’s Ambassador to South Africa, Femi Fani-Kayode.

Lawal explained that the decision was informed by the need to ensure that the party’s campaign structure worked towards victory for Tinubu as well as all APC candidates in the state.

He also alleged that Adeleke had indicated his willingness to campaign for Tinubu but would not support other APC candidates contesting elective positions.

The state chairman said the party could not accept an arrangement in which support for the President was separated from the electoral interests of its other candidates.

He added that the APC had therefore selected its leaders and members to coordinate its activities and pursue victories across the state in the 2027 elections.

The development highlights disagreements over Adeleke’s involvement in Tinubu’s campaign, particularly following his defection from the APC to the Accord Party.

Adeleke had been named coordinator of the President’s campaign in Osun as part of the national campaign arrangement, but the state APC leadership’s decision to establish a separate structure has exposed divisions over how the campaign should be managed.

The party’s move also comes amid preparations for the 2027 general election and the Osun governorship contest scheduled for August 2027.