The National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and 2026 Osun governorship hopeful, Senator Ajibola Basiru, has firmly denied recent reports alleging that he is making moves to reconcile with former Minister of Interior,  Rauf Aregbesola.

Describing the report as baseless and deliberately misleading, Basiru said the claims were part of a smear campaign intended to tarnish his reputation and sow discord within the party.

In a statement issued on Monday by his campaign spokesperson, Sulaiman Ajala, Basiru dismissed the report as “falsehood crafted to misinform the public.” He emphasized that there is no internal crisis within the Osun APC and reiterated his unwavering commitment to the party’s unity and progress.

Ajala clarified that Basiru has had no political or personal contact with Aregbesola since their fallout in 2021. The two were once close allies, with Aregbesola serving as a political mentor to Basiru before a rift led to a public split and Aregbesola’s eventual exit from the party along with his loyalists.

“The claim that Dr. Basiru is seeking Aregbesola’s support is entirely untrue. He has not reached out to him in any form and remains fully loyal to President Bola Tinubu,” the statement read.

Ajala also debunked reports alleging that Basiru criticized President Tinubu over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s recent visit to the President, stating that Basiru had no knowledge of the meeting’s agenda and would never undermine the President.

“Basiru has enjoyed over 20 years of loyal and respectful political association with President Tinubu, and he remains committed to those values,” Ajala added.

The campaign team condemned the report as part of a coordinated attempt to damage Basiru’s political standing and urged those behind what it described as “malicious and seditious fabrications” to desist.

“Senator Ajibola Basiru remains committed to the ideals of the APC and is focused on serving the party and the people of Osun State with integrity, discipline, and humility,” the statement concluded.