Panic Grips APC and PDP Camps as Governor Adeleke’s Alleged Move to APC Sparks Confusion, Division

A wave of palpable fear has engulfed both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State amid widespread reports that Governor Ademola Adeleke may be on the verge of dumping the PDP for the ruling APC. The speculated defection, which Governor Adeleke has officially denied, is reportedly in advanced stages, with several close aides and appointees confirming that the governor has been in high-level consultations with key figures in the APC.

The speculations first emerged in June following Governor Adeleke’s surprise visit to President Bola Tinubu at his Bourdillon residence in Lagos. The Osun governor was accompanied by his billionaire brother, Dr Adedeji Adeleke, and their nephew, music superstar Davido. Photographs from the meeting, widely circulated on social media, showed the Governor Adelekes in close company with the President and First Lady, sparking intrigue and apprehension within the PDP and even among APC stalwarts.

The rumour mill spun into overdrive again this week after cryptic social media posts by the governor’s aides and political allies hinted at a looming political realignment. A Facebook post by Governor Adeleke’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Oladele Bamiji, quoting the APC slogan, “On Your Mandate!”, further inflamed speculation.

Insiders Confirm Talks, APC Ticket Dangled At Governor Adeleke

Top aides to Governor Adeleke have privately confirmed that the defection plan is being seriously considered. A commissioner and two special advisers told Opitanglobamedia News that the governor’s decision was driven by increasing political and economic pressure. Among the reasons cited are threats to the business empire of his brother and the withholding of federal allocations to local governments in the state.

“Mr Governor will join the APC, but the declaration will not be immediate,” a commissioner revealed under anonymity. “He is concerned about the viability of his second-term bid under the PDP, given the current internal crisis. The risk of a legal battle over his nomination form is real.”

A senior APC official corroborated the information, confirming that Governor Adeleke is actively lobbying through intermediaries to secure support within the ruling party. However, major figures like former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and APC elder statesman Bisi Akande are reportedly opposed to the move. “Only the President can convince them,” the APC insider added.

Further fueling the speculation, another of Governor Adeleke’s aides, Olalekan Badmus, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the governor was “evaluating all options.” Behind the scenes, it’s understood that President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and other influential figures are facilitating Governor Adeleke’s potential crossover.

Official Denials Fail to Douse Political Tension

Despite the flurry of confirmations from insiders, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, has dismissed the rumours, insisting the governor remains loyal to the PDP. In a statement on Thursday, Rasheed said: “I assure the good people of Osun that I remain part and parcel of the PDP family. I am not defecting to any party.”

His reassurances, however, have failed to calm the storm. The National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru, also stated that the party’s national secretariat had no knowledge of any defection plan. “As National Secretary, I’ve not been informed. All these are speculative,” he said.

The Osun APC spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, also claimed ignorance. “The leadership of the APC in Osun, led by Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, is not aware of any such plan. If he chooses to defect, only the party leadership will decide his fate,” Olabisi maintained.

Still, the official denials have done little to stem the anxiety within the two main political camps. The mood remains uncertain, with grassroots members demanding clarity amid growing confusion and discontent.

Protests and Outrage as Both Parties Reel

The rumour has ignited protests, with APC youths staging a peaceful demonstration at the party’s secretariat in Osogbo on Friday. Led by Taofeek Afolabi, the demonstrators expressed support for Governor Adeleke’s potential defection but strongly opposed granting him an automatic governorship ticket.

“Governor Adeleke joining APC is a plus, but the ticket must be contested,” Afolabi said. “We already have aspirants who have declared their intentions. There must be a level playing field.”

The fear of Governor Adeleke hijacking the APC’s 2026 ticket has also caused unrest among Oyetola loyalists. On Facebook, Oyetola’s former aide, Alhaji Jamiu Olawumi, lashed out at the idea of Adeleke switching parties. Another supporter, Adedeji Adebayo, warned against allowing “omo-gba-feeder” politics to infiltrate the APC, a derogatory reference to Adeleke’s populist image.

The PDP isn’t faring better. Some members have vowed not to follow the governor if he defects, accusing him of betraying the party that brought him to power. Others, however, have defended the idea of realignment, describing it as a necessary survival strategy in Nigerian politics.

PDP, APC Split as Power Game Heats Up

Within both parties, opinion is sharply divided. A former PDP deputy national publicity secretary, Diran Odeyemi, defended the possible move. “Politics is about interest and winning,” he said. “The governor’s second term is our priority; the party vehicle can change if it helps us achieve that.”

Conversely, APC leaders like Jamiu Olawumi questioned the integrity of accepting a sitting governor with controversial baggage. “You can’t just walk in and take over. There are criteria,” he noted. “Until the national leadership makes an official statement, it remains a rumour.”

As the 2026 election timetable inches closer and the PDP’s internal crisis deepens, Governor Adeleke’s political future hangs in the balance. Whether he remains in the PDP or crosses over to the APC, his decision will undoubtedly reshape the political landscape of Osun State.

For now, both parties remain locked in uncertainty — gripped by fear, speculation, and the high-stakes drama of Nigerian politics.