The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Ajibola Basiru, has denied a recent report claiming that he is seeking reconciliation with a former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, ahead of the 2026 Osun State governorship election.
Basiru, a governorship aspirant in the state, described the report as false and a fabrication aimed at damaging his reputation.
Aregbesola and Basiru had enjoyed a good relationship as principal and subordinate before they parted ways in 2021.
The former governor and his supporters have since left the APC amid a protracted crisis in the party.
A few days ago, some bloggers reported that Basiru was seeking Aregbesola’s support to clinch the APC’s governorship ticket in the state.
The bloggers also claimed there were crises in the APC and that some members of the party were castigating President Bola Tinubu for receiving the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, on June 3.
Reacting to the reports, Basiru, in a statement signed by his campaign spokesperson, Sulaiman Ajala, on Monday in Osogbo, said, “There is no crisis in Osun APC.”
Ajala emphasised that Basiru remained loyal to Tinubu and has never made political overtures to Aregbesola, whom he has not been in contact with personally or politically since 2021.
He said, “Basiru never criticised President Bola Tinubu over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s recent visit to the President, nor was he privy to what was discussed during the meeting.
“Basiru has enjoyed over two decades of a loyal and respectful relationship with President Tinubu, whom he considers a father and mentor.
“He would never undermine the President or associate with individuals opposed to Tinubu’s political ideology.”
Ajala stressed that neither Basiru nor any member of his campaign had disrespected the President or the party.
“Our organisation is disciplined and focused on issues, not insults,” he added.
Discribing the report as part of a “coordinated smear campaign,” the campaign warned those behind the “malicious and seditious lies” to desist.
“Basiru remains committed to the ideals of the APC and will continue to serve the party and the people with loyalty, humility, and integrity,” he stated.
