The interim National Secretary of the Action Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has held a closed-door meeting with former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola in a bid to persuade him to join the party.
The meeting, which took place on Sunday at Oyinlola’s residence in Okuku, Osun State, has sparked speculation about potential political realignments ahead of future elections.
Aregbesola, who succeeded Oyinlola as governor in 2010 after a prolonged legal battle over the 2007 gubernatorial election, was said to have personally appealed to his predecessor to defect to the ADC. Sources privy to the discussion revealed that Oyinlola acknowledged the visit but gave no definite response.
“He visited Oyinlola at Okuku yesterday evening to woo him to the ADC. While responding, Oyinlola just appreciated him for the visit,” an anonymous attendee disclosed.
The ADC’s interim national chairman, Senator David Mark, alongside Aregbesola, has been actively mobilising support across South-West states to strengthen the party’s influence.
When contacted, Osun ADC Chairman Charles Omidiji confirmed the meeting but stated he was not physically present. “I’m aware of the meeting. It’s part of politics. Politics is a game of numbers,” Omidiji said.
He further hinted at possible defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the ADC, saying, “Many of them are coming. I can tell you for free.”