Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has dismissed speculation suggesting he plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), affirming that he has no intention—now or in the future—of defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) or any other political party.
The governor, who faces a re-election campaign in 2026, has recently come under public scrutiny following the defection of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the APC and comments by Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno hinting at a similar move. Both developments have fuelled speculation about potential realignments among governors from opposition parties.
However, in a statement issued yesterday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP during a strategic closed-door meeting with leaders, elders, and senior officials of the party’s Osun chapter on Wednesday night. The meeting, held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, was attended by top party stakeholders. Former Governor Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola joined virtually, while Professor Wale Oladipo, Chairman of the Imole Movement, described the PDP as a political home for all genuine lovers of the Osun people.
Following the meeting, the Osun PDP Stakeholders’ Forum issued a communiqué signed by state party chairman Hon Sunday Bisi, reaffirming support for Governor Adeleke and endorsing him as the party’s sole candidate for the 2026 governorship election. The forum praised his leadership as equitable, visionary and effective, and commended his delivery of democratic dividends and good governance across all sectors of Osun society.
The forum welcomed declarations by Adeleke and other senior PDP leaders that they have no plans to defect, describing such loyalty as critical to the party’s continued strength. It also applauded the steadfastness of party leaders and elected officials in the Oriade/Obokun federal constituency, who have rejected what the communiqué referred to as “recent defections by an ungrateful lone ranger.”
In addressing the local government leadership crisis, the forum commended the state party leadership’s strategy as a measured and effective response, comparing it to “winning a war without firing a shot.” It further endorsed the commitment to due process in managing the dispute and urged continued patience from stakeholders.
The forum also praised the calm and wisdom of the state PDP leadership in managing party affairs and expressed confidence in the party’s preparedness for future electoral contests. It also voiced optimism that efforts at the national level to resolve internal challenges would result in a more united and formidable PDP ahead of upcoming elections.