Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has denied reaching an agreement with the All Progressives Congress (APC) to share legislative and local government positions ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing reports of such an arrangement as “mere fabrication and fake news”.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Adeleke said negotiations to resolve the state’s local government crisis were focused on protecting the interests of APC chairmen and elected Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairmen and councillors.

The reports had alleged that Adeleke reached an agreement with the presidency to share local government positions and seats in the Senate, House of Representatives and Osun State House of Assembly between the Accord and APC.

“As the governor of all Osun indigenes and residents, we are working to resolve the local government matter by ensuring that all interests are protected and cared for,” the statement reads.

The governor expressed confidence that the crisis would be resolved before the end of the year, stressing that restoring grassroots governance was necessary for a successful campaign ahead of the 2027 elections.

Adeleke also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid but clarified that the political understanding among coalition partners applied only to the presidential election.

“As I said while inaugurating the presidential campaign council, the coalition is targeted at the presidential election. Partners agreed to join hands to ensure our dear president is re-elected. All other legislative positions are open for competition,” he said.

He added that he would campaign for Accord candidates contesting legislative seats at both national and state levels, urging other political parties to support their respective candidates.

“I urge all political parties to campaign for their candidates as I will do for Accord candidates. We have no deal on the National Assembly and the State Assembly elections. All our candidates will face the electorate, who have the final say,” he added.

The clarification follows the absence of some prominent Osun APC leaders from the inauguration of Adeleke’s 344-member campaign council for Tinubu’s re-election bid in the state on October 22.

Former Osun governor Bisi Akande attended the event alongside other APC chieftains, including the party’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, and former National Secretary, Iyiola Omisore.