Osun Governor Adeleke Reaffirms Commitment To PDP, Dismisses ADC Defection Rumours.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has firmly quashed speculation about his potential defection to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring his unwavering loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The governor’s statement comes amid swirling rumours of political realignments ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election and the 2027 general elections in Nigeria.
In a concise but resolute statement issued on Friday, Governor Adeleke said, “I am not joining ADC.” His spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, elaborated further, describing reports of a possible defection as “false and baseless.” Rasheed emphasised that the governor remains steadfastly committed to the PDP, under which he intends to seek re-election in 2026. “Governor Adeleke has no plans to defect to the ADC or form any political alliance with its members. He is firmly rooted in the PDP and will run for a second term under its platform,” Rasheed stated.
The clarification follows weeks of intense speculation, fuelled by the ADC’s growing momentum as a coalition platform for opposition leaders aiming to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Reports had suggested that several PDP governors, including Adeleke, were in talks with the ADC, with some alleging that the Osun governor was considering a move due to internal party dynamics. However, Adeleke’s camp has consistently denied these claims, asserting that his focus remains on delivering good governance in Osun State.
Rasheed highlighted the governor’s strong grassroots support, attributing it to his administration’s achievements in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and youth development. “The people of Osun are behind Governor Adeleke because of his impressive performance in office. His good work is ongoing, and the electorate is committed to re-electing him to sustain this progress,” he said. The spokesperson also noted that the Osun PDP has already endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, further ruling out any alignment with the ADC.
Political analysts suggest that Adeleke’s swift rebuttal is a strategic move to maintain unity within the Osun PDP and reassure supporters of his dedication to the party. The governor’s statement has also been seen as a response to comments by former Osun deputy governor Senator Iyiola Omisore, who recently described Adeleke as a “political orphan” seeking to join the APC. Rasheed dismissed such remarks as divisive, urging PDP members to focus on strengthening party structures for a “sure victory” in 2026.
Governor Adeleke’s administration has earned praise for its developmental strides, with the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations recently rating him among the top nine Nigerian governors for exceptional leadership. His commitment to fulfilling campaign promises, including food security initiatives and infrastructure projects, has bolstered his popularity in Osun.
As the political landscape heats up, Adeleke’s reaffirmation of his PDP membership is likely to quell unrest among party loyalists and refocus attention on his governance agenda. With the 2026 election looming, the governor appears determined to lead Osun under the PDP banner, confident in the support of the state’s electorate.
