2027: Tinubu’s Blessing Isn’t Enough Join APC or Stay Hypocritical, Basiru Tells Osun PDP Senators
In a sharp political twist, the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has openly applauded but also challenged the three Osun State senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for endorsing President Bola Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections.
But there’s a catch: Basiru says their praise alone won’t cut it. If they truly believe in Tinubu’s leadership, they must leave the PDP and join the APC.
The Endorsement That Sparked Reactions
In a move that surprised many political observers, Senators Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East), Lere Oyewumi (Osun West), and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central) publicly declared their support for Tinubu’s re-election bid on Tuesday.
The trio, in a joint statement, cited the President’s performance in infrastructure, economic reforms, food security, and national security as reasons for their endorsement a rare cross-party nod in Nigeria’s often hostile political terrain.
“Talk Is Cheap, Action Is Loyalty” Basiru Fires Back
Responding through the Senator Ajibola Basiru Campaign Organisation (SABCO), Basiru said while the senators’ endorsement was commendable, it risked coming across as opportunistic or politically convenient unless backed by concrete action.
Prof. Remi Ajala, who signed the SABCO statement, praised the senators’ “truthfulness and statesmanship” in acknowledging Tinubu’s impact through the Renewed Hope Agenda. However, Basiru made it clear: Endorsing from afar won’t bring real change to Osun or Nigeria.
“It is not enough to praise the President from a distance for self-serving purposes. They should wholly align with the progressive family at the national and state levels to cement their endorsement of President Tinubu,” he said.
Politics or Strategy?
Basiru’s reaction raises questions about the true intentions behind the senators’ support. Are they signaling a quiet shift toward the ruling party? Or are they simply hedging bets ahead of 2027 to stay politically relevant?
According to Basiru, joining the APC would position Osun State for better development once (or if) the party returns to power in the state come 2026.
He pointed fingers at the current Governor, Ademola Adeleke, calling his administration deceptive and underperforming.
“Pitching your tent with the APC will help bring the needed development to Osun APC-led state government when inaugurated in 2026,” Basiru stated, highlighting key sectors like infrastructure, education, healthcare, and agriculture.
“Cross Over or Be Left Behind”
In what sounds like a thinly veiled ultimatum, Basiru urged the PDP senators to follow the lead of other National Assembly members who have defected to the APC, labeling such a move as courageous and patriotic.
“This is the time to act for the good of Osun State and Nigeria at large,” the statement concluded.
The Bigger Picture
This development throws a spotlight on a growing trend in Nigerian politics the blurring of party lines when personal or regional interests are at stake. Endorsements without defection might be a way for politicians to keep one foot in both camps. But Basiru clearly wants loyalty that goes beyond words.
With 2027 drawing closer, and 2026 set to be a pivotal year for Osun’s gubernatorial race, this may be just the opening act in what promises to be a high-stakes political drama.
Reference
2027: Tinubu’s Blessing Isn’t Enough Join APC or Stay Hypocritical, Basiru Tells Osun PDP Senators