No APC Member Has Defected to ADC in Osun – Party Dismisses Defection Claims

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has denied reports suggesting that its members are defecting to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), insisting that the party remains “solid, intact, and impenetrable.”

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, in Osogbo. Olabisi described the claims of defection as misinformation intended to mislead the public and undermine the APC’s strength in the state.

“It is only the wishful thinking of the peddlers of the defection rumour, which amounts to insulting the sensibility of our dedicated members and supporters,” the statement read.

He added that members of the APC in Osun are “deep thinkers” and would not consider abandoning a “thriving party” for what he termed “an assemblage of visibly frustrated and spent political figures.”

Olabisi further clarified that individuals currently aligning with the ADC are either suspended or expelled former APC members who had long been removed from the party over anti-party activities. He emphasized that these individuals should not be mistaken for active or loyal APC members.

The party also addressed speculation surrounding former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who has been appointed as the Interim National Secretary of the ADC. Olabisi reaffirmed that Aregbesola was expelled from the APC in 2024 and no longer holds any status within the party.

“Referring to Aregbesola as an APC chieftain is misleading. He was expelled from the party over a year ago and remains so to date,” he stated.

Olabisi dismissed any suggestion that current APC members are defecting to the ADC, instead claiming the APC has been gaining new members, particularly from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as well as some formerly suspended APC members who have returned in good faith.

He also accused Aregbesola’s supporters of celebrating his ADC appointment to create a false perception of mass defection from the APC.

Meanwhile, the Osun State PDP has also denied any involvement in the emerging opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. State PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi, reaffirmed that Governor Ademola Adeleke remains fully committed to the PDP and is not aligned with any coalition efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.

The ADC was recently adopted as the platform of a new opposition alliance, with prominent political figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola leading the charge to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027.

David Mark and Rauf Aregbesola currently serve as the Interim National Chairman and Secretary of the ADC, respectively.