Osogbo, Osun state – Speculations about a possible defection of Governor Ademola Adeleke from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) have sparked anxiety within the political camps of both parties in Osun State.
The rumour gained fresh momentum after Adeleke’s media aide, Oladele Bamiji, posted “On Your Mandate!” on Facebook, an APC slogan associated with President Tinubu. Another SSA, Olalekan Badmus, hinted at ongoing discussions via X (formerly Twitter):
These posts triggered mixed reactions, with some APC loyalists expressing displeasure over the potential merger, Vanguard reported.
He urged the public to ignore “fake news” and reaffirmed his commitment to delivering democratic dividends under his administration’s five-point agenda.
In a swift response, Governor Adeleke, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the rumour. “I assure the good people of Osun that I remain part and parcel of the PDP family. I am not defecting to any party,” Adeleke said in a statement.
Reacting, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, stated: “I’m not aware of Adeleke’s so-called defection as the National Secretary. All other things are hypothetical. I can’t respond to social media frenzy.” Osun APC spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, also said: “The leadership of the APC in Osun, led by Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, is not aware of the governor’s defection plan.”
Sources close to the governor revealed that the plan to join the APC has been nearly finalised, although official denials persist.
