The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a top governorship aspirant in the forthcoming 2026 Osun State election, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has firmly denied claims that he is seeking reconciliation with former Osun governor, Rauf Aregbesola, or that he criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for hosting Governor Ademola Adeleke.
In a statement released on Monday by the Senator Ajibola Basiru Campaign Organisation, through its spokesperson, Sulieman Ajala, the reports were dismissed as deliberate fabrications aimed at misleading the public and tarnishing Basiru’s political image.
Ajala described the publication, which he said did not originate from The Guardian, as “a coordinated campaign of lies and political mischief,” adding that the allegations are part of a wider effort to sow discord within the Osun APC ahead of the 2026 governorship race.
According to him, “The most recent lies are the claims that Senator Basiru is courting Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for reconciliation to support his gubernatorial aspiration, and that he criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the recent visit of Governor Ademola Adeleke and his family to the President.”
Ajala stressed that the Osun APC is not in disarray, and that no such criticism was made by Basiru.
“Senator Basiru believes Governor Adeleke has the constitutional right to visit the president, whether for state matters or personal reasons. As someone not privy to what was discussed during the visit, he would not dabble into speculation, social media innuendo, or political gossip. As a lawyer of integrity, he holds himself to a high ethical standard,” Ajala explained.
He added that Senator Basiru remains “respectful and loyal” to President Tinubu and would not engage in actions or statements that undermine his leadership.
“No member of our campaign organisation has ever held or expressed such divisive views. We are a disciplined team that operates with full respect for constituted authority, particularly the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.
Ajala highlighted the longstanding relationship between the senator and President Tinubu, noting that “Senator Basiru has had a respectful and cordial political relationship with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for nearly 20 years, and sees him as both a political mentor and a father figure.”
He further stated that Basiru has not had any political or personal contact with Rauf Aregbesola since 2021 and has no intention of forming alliances that could run contrary to the APC’s leadership direction.
“Let it be clear that Senator Basiru has not sent emissaries or made overtures to Ogbeni Aregbesola, who is no longer a member of our party. Any such report is a fabrication and part of a smear campaign orchestrated by those who fear the growing popularity and credibility of our candidate,” Ajala declared.
