Osun APC Youths Carpet Omisore for Calling Governor Adeleke ‘Political Orphan’

The Osun APC Youths Liberation Movement has strongly criticized former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, over his recent comments referring to Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, as a "political orphan." Omisore made the controversial remarks during a recent appearance on a television programme where he alleged that Governor Adeleke has been “struggling, begging and forcing his way” into the APC. He further stated that the governor lacked proper political roots within the party and was not being welcomed by the grassroots. Omisore insisted that any move by the Osun governor to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC would not be accepted without broad consultation at the ward and local government levels. In a swift reaction, the Osun APC Youths Liberation Movement, a coalition of young progressives within the party, condemned Omisore’s statements as divisive, uncharitable, and counterproductive to the party's unity. Speaking during a press conference held in Osogbo on Thursday, the group accused Omisore of engaging in petty politics and trying to undermine party cohesion by attacking a sitting governor who has demonstrated considerable political influence in Osun State. The spokesperson for the movement, Azeez Awolalu, said the group was appalled by Omisore’s choice of words and his dismissive tone toward a potential ally in the state. He noted that Governor Adeleke’s political journey—from winning a senatorial seat in 2017 to unseating an incumbent APC governor in 2022—speaks volumes about his popularity and political relevance. “The statements made by Senator Omisore are not only reckless but also unbefitting of a senior figure in the APC,” Awolalu said. “Calling a sitting governor a ‘political orphan’ is not just disrespectful but also shows a lack of strategic thinking. If Governor Adeleke decides to join our party, it would be a major political gain for the APC in Osun and even beyond.” Awolalu added that the youth wing of the party is more focused on building bridges and attracting influential figures rather than pushing away prospective members due to personal or factional disagreements. He urged senior party leaders to refrain from making inflammatory comments and instead work toward strengthening the APC’s position ahead of future elections. Political analysts have noted that Governor Adeleke’s increasing engagement with APC leaders at the national level has fueled speculations about his potential defection from the PDP. While Adeleke has not officially declared such intentions, his interactions with top APC figures and the absence of strong rebuttals from his camp have kept the rumour mill turning. Meanwhile, some within the APC remain skeptical of Adeleke’s motives, viewing the alleged defection attempt as a strategy to weaken the PDP in the state and consolidate political power. Others believe welcoming Adeleke into the APC could boost the party’s prospects in the 2026 gubernatorial election and the 2027 general polls. The latest exchange between Omisore and the APC youth movement underscores growing tension within the party’s ranks over how to approach realignments and potential new entrants. As the political climate in Osun continues to evolve, party unity and strategy are likely to remain key points of contention.