Speculations as Aregbesola visits, woos former Governor to join ADC
Speculations as Aregbesola visits, woos former Governor to join ADC
A surprise visit by the Interim National Secretary of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, to former Osun State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalwart, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has stirred political debate across Osun State.
The meeting, held Sunday evening at Oyinlola’s country home in Okuku, Odo Otin Local Government Area, went viral on Monday after photos emerged on social media, triggering widespread speculation about a potential political realignment ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
Aregbesola, who recently declared his intention to unseat Governor Ademola Adeleke through the ballot, was warmly received by Oyinlola.
Though details of their discussion remain unclear, sources close to the meeting revealed it was part of Aregbesola’s strategic moves to attract political heavyweights to the ADC in a bid to challenge the dominance of the PDP and APC at both state and federal levels.
Political observers noted the irony of Aregbesola’s outreach, recalling how, as a member of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), he wrestled power from Oyinlola of the PDP through a protracted legal battle.
They see this renewed engagement as a possible effort to mend fences and forge a united front against the ruling parties.
Oyinlola, who had once left the PDP over internal disputes and aligned briefly with Aregbesola before their alliance fell apart, was said to have expressed appreciation for the visit.
Confirming the meeting, Osun ADC Chairman, Charles Omidiji, told journalists that while he was not in attendance, he was aware of the development, describing it as “part of politics.”
“Politics is a game of numbers,” Omidiji said in an interview quoted by Punch. “Don’t rule out the possibility of big names in the PDP or APC joining us. Many are coming. I can tell you for free.”
Meanwhile, Oyinlola, in a recent interview with Arise TV, distanced himself from rumours of a possible defection to the APC, warning Governor Adeleke against making such a move, which he said would be politically damaging.
Dismissing speculation about his own political future, Oyinlola declared, “No amount of pressure will shake me off my post,” describing himself as a “battle-tested general” with experience as a military administrator, civilian governor, and PDP national secretary.
