A governorship aspirant in the 2026 Osun State election and National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru, has denied reports claiming he is seeking reconciliation with former governor Rauf Aregbesola to bolster his electoral chances.

Basiru, through the Senator Ajibola Basiru Campaign Organisation, dismissed the claims as false and described the reports, published by a medium not affiliated with The Guardian, as fabrications driven by political mischief.

In a statement issued on Monday by the campaign spokesperson, Sulieman Ajala, the organisation also debunked allegations that Basiru harshly criticised President Bola Tinubu for recently hosting Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ajala said the buildup to the 2026 governorship race in Osun has given rise to “fabricated stories and baseless allegations” aimed at maligning Basiru’s image.

He stated: “The most recent lies are the claims that Senator Basiru is courting Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for reconciliation to support his gubernatorial aspiration, and that he criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the recent visit of Governor Ademola Adeleke and his family to the President.”

Ajala clarified that the Osun APC is not in crisis, and that Basiru never made any public comments about Governor Adeleke’s visit to the president.

“Senator Basiru believes Governor Adeleke has the right to meet the president, whether for official or personal reasons. As someone not privy to the discussions at the meeting, he cannot comment. As a lawyer of integrity, he refrains from engaging in speculation, political gossip, or social media innuendo,” he said.

Ajala emphasised that Basiru remains “respectful and loyal” to President Tinubu and would never be involved in any attempt to undermine him.

“No member of the campaign organisation holds or has expressed such views. We operate with discipline and respect, particularly toward the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.

He noted that Senator Basiru has maintained a two-decade-long respectful relationship with President Tinubu, whom he regards as a father and mentor.

“He strongly believes that power comes only from God and through the guidance of the party’s leadership. He remains committed to the core principles of the APC,” it said.

Ajala reiterated that Basiru has not had personal or political contact with Aregbesola since 2021 and would not engage in alliances with any individual or group opposed to President Tinubu’s political interests.

“Senator Basiru has not sent emissaries or made overtures to Aregbesola, who is no longer a member of our party. Any such report is entirely false and part of a coordinated smear campaign,” he said.