By Kolawole Ojebisi
The All Progressives Congress National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has challenged the three Osun Senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to go the whole hog by defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and not just throwing their weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s reelection bid ahead of the 2027 political showdown.
Bairu stated that though the lawmakers’ endorsement of Tinubu is laudable, their ultimate defection will bolster the APC’s ranks in Osun State ahead of the 2026 governorship election in the state.
The APC chieftain made this claim in a statement issued through the Senator Ajibola Basiru Campaign Organisation (SABCO), on Wednesday.
The statement, signed by Prof. Remi Ajala on behalf of SABCO, stated the significance of the endorsement.
“The public recognition by the PDP senators of President Tinubu’s achievements especially in the areas of infrastructure development, economic reforms, food security, and national security is another testimonial that Nigeria is working under our leader and moving towards the clear path of development and it shows a clear act of truthfulness and statesmanship.
“This shows his leadership and style of governance are bringing positive results to Nigerians, including the electorates and constituents in their different senatorial districts in Osun State.
“We appreciate that these senators have acknowledged the Renewed Hope Agenda and how it is beginning to positively impact their constituencies.
“This kind of honest leadership deserves to be encouraged and applauded, especially in a time when Nigerians seek real progress,” the statement read.
While applauding the legislators’ stance, Basiru stressed that endorsing Tinubu is not just a half-hearted political decision but also “self-serving”.
“It is not enough to praise the President from a distance for self-serving purposes but should wholly align fully with the progressive family at the national and state levels to cement their endorsement of President Tinubu,” he said.
He continued, “Pitching your tent with the APC will help bring the needed development to Osun APC-led state government when inaugurated in 2026, in key sectors such as infrastructure, education, agriculture, sustainable economy, healthcare.
“It will also help end the underperformance and maladministration currently witnessed under the deceptive administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke,” he asserted.
Basiru concluded by urging the senators to join forces with the APC, pointing out the courage and vision required for such a move.
“Finally, we call on the three Osun PDP senators to display courage and show real leadership by joining forces with progressive element and emulating other national assembly lawmakers who have already moved to the APC.
“This is the time to act for the good of Osun State and Nigeria at large,” the statement advised.
Recall that it was widely reported on Tuesday that three PDP senators, in a joint statement, declared their support for Tinubu as their preferred candidate for the 2027 presidential election.
The three senators are: Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Lere Oyewumi (Osun West), and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central)—for their decision to endorse.
There are speculations that the APC’s national scribe, Ajibola Basiru, is interested in the governorship seat in Osun State.
