Defection Drama: Uncertainty Grips APC, PDP Over Governor Adeleke’s Next Move

A growing storm is unsettling political camps in Osun State as reports emerge that Governor Ademola Adeleke is preparing to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Though Adeleke has publicly denied the claim, several of his close associates, including cabinet members, suggest the plan is nearing completion.

According to insiders, the governor has briefed key allies within his cabinet and the Osun State House of Assembly about the potential switch. They link his decision to mounting political pressure, alleged threats to his family’s business interests, and uncertainty over his second-term ticket amid the PDP’s internal crisis. The development, they say, is driven by concerns that the ongoing rift in the PDP could affect Adeleke’s eligibility in the 2026 governorship election.

Fueling the speculation is Adeleke’s recent visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos, where he was accompanied by his brother, billionaire businessman Adedeji Adeleke, and his nephew, music star Davido. Although the visit was described as a courtesy call, the optics and subsequent social media activity by Adeleke’s aides, including posts echoing APC slogans, have heightened suspicions.

Meanwhile, officials within the APC confirm that Adeleke has been lobbying party leaders. However, internal resistance remains, especially from key Osun APC figures like former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and party elder Bisi Akande, who have yet to endorse the defection. APC sources say that President Tinubu’s intervention would be crucial to Adeleke’s formal entry into the party.

Adding to the speculation are signs of subtle alignment, including social media posts by senior aides and reports that President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, along with members of the President’s family, are actively facilitating the governor’s move.

Despite this, Adeleke’s spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, maintains that the governor remains firmly within the PDP. In a statement, Adeleke reaffirmed his loyalty to the party and urged the public to ignore what he described as “fake news.” The APC’s national leadership has also distanced itself from the rumour, with National Secretary Ajibola Basiru and Osun APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi saying they are unaware of any such plan.

Nonetheless, tension continues to rise in both parties. Within the APC, the possibility of Adeleke’s defection has triggered fears among loyalists of Oyetola, who are concerned that his entrance could derail existing plans for the party’s 2026 governorship ticket. Protesters gathered at the APC state secretariat in Osogbo on Friday, demanding that Adeleke, if he joins, should not be granted an automatic ticket.

The PDP, on the other hand, faces a potential crisis, with members concerned that Adeleke’s exit could severely weaken the party, especially since his family is a major financial backbone in the state. Some PDP leaders are reportedly in support of the governor’s realignment, while others have vowed not to follow him.

Adding to the political drama, two PDP senators from Osun — Adenigba Fadahunsi and Olubiyi Ajagunla — are also reportedly planning to leave the party, having allegedly sealed their defection plans during a recent meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

In the midst of the uncertainty, governorship aspirants within the APC have downplayed the impact of Adeleke’s possible defection. Aspirants Dotun Babayemi and Akin Ogunbiyi say the development neither surprises them nor threatens their ambitions, insisting that their strength lies in their grassroots support.