Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has firmly dismissed reports suggesting that he plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The governor, through a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Wednesday in Osogbo, described the speculation as “a calculated attempt by those unsettled by his popularity to create confusion in the state.”
The clarification comes amid recurring rumours linking the governor Senator Ademola Adeleke with potential defections. Earlier this year, Adeleke was reported to be in discussions with the All Progressives Congress (APC), with claims that he and some PDP leaders had considered supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027. Adeleke later explained that political forces frustrated such moves, and he reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP.
According to the governor Adeleke’s team, the latest speculation about a move to ADC is baseless and intended to exploit his rising goodwill among Osun people. “Governor Adeleke remains committed to the PDP and has no plan whatsoever to join the ADC or any other party,” Rasheed stated.
Governor Senator Ademola Adeleke Focus on Governance and Party Mobilisation
In the same statement, the governor Adeleke reiterated his administration’s focus on service delivery and the consolidation of democratic gains in Osun State. Adeleke noted that his preoccupation is providing dividends of democracy to the people who entrusted him with their mandate nearly three years ago.
He added that beyond governance, his attention is on strengthening PDP structures ahead of the forthcoming elections. Mobilisation for voter registration, according to him, remains a key priority as the state prepares for another crucial political season.
The statement further suggested that the spread of misinformation was linked to the series of unsolicited endorsements Senator Ademola Adeleke continues to receive from groups across Osun. His camp believes these endorsements are unsettling to opponents, prompting efforts to discredit his standing in the PDP.
PDP in Osun Grapples With Defections
The governor Adeleke’s reassurance comes at a time when the PDP in Osun has been battling a wave of defections to the APC. Notable among these was the exit of Hon. Wole Oke, representing Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency, who joined the ruling party.
Similarly, two PDP senators representing Osun East and Osun Central, Adenigba Fadahunsi and Olubiyi Fadeyi, left for the APC. Their departure was followed by that of Taofeek Ajilesoro (Ife Central/Ife East/Ife North) and Olusanya Ominrin (Atakunmosa West/Atakunmosa East/Ilesha East), who also cited the need to align with President Tinubu’s administration.
Observers note that while the defections have weakened the PDP’s ranks in Osun, Adeleke’s grassroots popularity continues to be a significant factor in sustaining the party’s relevance. His declaration against joining another party is therefore seen as an attempt to reassure supporters and reinforce confidence ahead of the next election cycle.
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