APC Not A Club For Backdoor Entry, Start From Grassroots — Omisore Warns Adeleke

Amidst rising speculation over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s rumoured defection plans, former Deputy Governor of Osun State and ex-National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, has issued a firm warning—joining the APC cannot be achieved through political shortcuts or cross-state alliances.

Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Omisore insisted that any attempt by the Osun governor to join the ruling party must begin at the grassroots level within his home state.

“Politics is inherently local,” Omisore declared. “Governor Adeleke cannot be integrated into the APC by simply associating with leaders outside Osun. If he’s serious about joining us, he must engage with the party’s base from the ward level upward.”

Omisore’s remarks come amid reports linking Adeleke to behind-the-scenes meetings with influential APC figures, including Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun. However, the APC chieftain rejected the notion that friendships with leaders in other states could guarantee a seamless entrance into the Osun APC.

“A political party is not a club you stroll into through referrals. You must understand the structure, align with its ideals, and earn the trust of the local party members,” he added.

He further alleged that Adeleke’s recent overtures to the ruling party may be driven by fear of electoral defeat in a potential re-election bid, suggesting that the governor is seeking political shelter ahead of the 2026 governorship race.

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Reacting to the ongoing speculations, the Osun State chapter of the APC, through its spokesperson Kola Olabisi, denied any formal engagement with Governor Adeleke, describing the defection claims as “a lie from the pit of hell.”

On the other hand, the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has thrown its full weight behind Adeleke, with party leaders publicly reaffirming their support and vowing to stand with him regardless of the political path he chooses.

As political alignments continue to evolve in Osun, the direction Governor Adeleke ultimately takes may significantly impact both the PDP’s cohesion and the APC’s internal dynamics ahead of the next gubernatorial election.