Osun 2026: Adeleke, PDP address rumoured defection to APC

Osun State’s political landscape has once again been thrown into confusion as fresh, unverified rumours circulate about Governor Ademola Adeleke allegedly planning to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

This speculation comes as both parties gear up for the next governorship election scheduled for August 8, 2026.

Speaking with Nigeria News 247 on Friday, the PDP’s spokesperson, Oladele Bamiji, dismissed the rumour as baseless. “I have debunked this information on many occasions. Governor Adeleke is not defecting to any political party,” he said. “Adeleke is not someone who would secretly switch parties if such a thing were true. As of today, he remains a loyal member of the PDP.”

Bamiji added that Governor Adeleke has repeatedly reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP.

Meanwhile, the Osun APC has made it clear that the governor is not welcome in their fold. The APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, addressing journalists at a media parley organised by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Zone B, stated, “Adeleke is not joining our party. Decamping is not on the table as of today. While the APC remains open to new members, I personally remain loyal to Mr. President.”

Despite multiple denials, rumours of Adeleke’s defection resurfaced on Thursday, sparking heated debates among his supporters and those loyal to his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, the APC leader in the state.

The speculation intensified following the circulation of photos showing Adeleke, his elder brother Deji Adeleke, and popular musician Davido during a recent visit to President Bola Tinubu. Rumour mongers claim that during the meeting, a deal was struck for Adeleke to join the APC, complete a second term, and then back Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

In response, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the claims as false and politically motivated. In a statement on Thursday, he urged the public to ignore what he described as fake news.

“Governor Adeleke remains a dedicated member and leader of the PDP in Osun State,” Rasheed stated. “He reassures the good people of Osun that he is not defecting to any party. Instead, he is focused on delivering his administration’s five-point agenda and providing good governance and democratic dividends to the people of the state.”