The Imole Campaign Council, the Campaign Organisation of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, dismissed on Friday speculation that the governor’s visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was part of plans for his eventual defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Chairman of the Council’s Media and Publicity Committee and member of the House of Representatives, Bamidele Salam, said in a statement in Abuja that Governor Adeleke visited the President in line with custom and political tradition at the conclusion of the off-cycle elections in Nigeria.

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He said, “Governor Adeleke, like every other Governor who emerged victorious in an off-cycle election, has a responsibility to show respect and appreciation to the office of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, whose charge in various pre-election speeches and statements was to the effect that the electoral umpire and Security agencies must allow for a free and fair election in Osun State.

“The visit also afforded Mr President, as the father of the Nation, and the Osun State Governor a platform to discuss issues pertaining to peace, security and progress of Osun State after the tense election.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the visit of Mr Governor and top members of his Campaign team had absolutely nothing to do with a plan to move from Accord to the All Progressives Congress, as being insinuated in certain quarters.

“We wish to state unequivocally that at no stage during the visit to Mr President was the issue of decamping to the APC discussed”.

“The Imole Campaign Council appreciates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the opportunity of the visit and assures all supporters of Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke of the Governor’s continued commitment to the service of the good people of Osun State who stood solidly by him in the recently concluded elections”.

(The Nation)