Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has debunked claims of his alleged defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), affirming his continued loyalty and leadership within the party in the state.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, Governor Adeleke — who triumphed over APC candidate Gboyega Oyetola in the 2022 Osun governorship election — reaffirmed his political commitment amidst rising rumours of a possible party switch.
“Over the last few hours, I have been inundated with calls regarding rumours of a possible defection. I want to assure the good people of Osun State and Nigerians at large; I remain a loyal member and the leader of the People’s Democratic Party in Osun State.
“My focus remains on delivering good governance and fulfilling our 5-point agenda for Osun people. Please disregard the fake news and continue to support our mission for a better Osun State,” he stated.
This isn’t the first time Governor Ademola Adeleke has dismissed rumours of plans to defect. Back in May, during a meeting with top stakeholders, he clearly stated he had no intention of leaving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His latest reassurance follows a private visit to President Bola Tinubu’s residence in Ikoyi, Lagos, on June 3. He was accompanied by his brother, Adedeji Adeleke, and popular Afrobeats artist, David Adeleke (Davido).
Meanwhile, the PDP is currently navigating a turbulent political landscape. On June 6, Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno officially defected to the APC. This came weeks after Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, his deputy Monday Onyeme, and key allies—including commissioners and local government chairmen—also switched allegiance. Former Delta Governor and PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, followed the same path.
These defections come as PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, spearheads coalition talks with other opposition leaders. The coalition has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform to challenge the APC in the 2027 general elections.
The PDP itself continues to grapple with internal divisions, including an unresolved leadership dispute over the position of National Secretary, with both Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye laying claim to the office.
Adding to the tension, on June 30, PDP chieftain Bode George and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) were temporarily denied access to the party’s national secretariat, where National Executive Committee (NEC) and Board of Trustees (BoT) meetings were scheduled. The standoff was later resolved, allowing the party to proceed with its 100th NEC meeting at Wadata Plaza in Abuja.