By Banji Ayoola
In a dramatic move that smashed the fever-heat expectation in the political circle in Osun State, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has endorsed President Bola Tinubu and Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term in office.
The surprising move caught many unawares, as the expectation which had reached a crescendo, was that the governor would announce his decamp to the All Progressives Congress, APC, shortly.
This expectation was strengthened by the governor’s recent visit to the President’s Lagos home, accompanied by his businessman elder brother ,Deji, and nephew, the globally acclaimed music megastar, Davido
It was generally believed that the visit, during which the Adelekes were reportedly warmly received by the President and his wife, Remi, sealed the governor’s purported planned decamp.
Apart from the recent body language of the governor, the statements recently from the governor’s party, spokesmen, ang government circle, the recent decamp of two PDP senators from the state to the APC, was believed to be preparing the ground for the governor’s expected cross-over.
However, the development signals an end to the hostility characterising the relationship between the Adeleke -led PDP administration in the state, and the state chapter of the opposition APC.
This situation of unproductive rivalry between both parties, which escalated recently with the rumoured planned decamp of the governor to the APC, had messed up the political climate in the state
Adeleke’s planned decamp had indeed raised dusts, and ruffled feathers particularly of governorship aspirants within the APC, who believed that Adeleke would rob them of their aspirations, as he was coming into the party “to reap where he did not sow”.
They had the ears of the party elders especially former Governor Bisi Akande, and Blue Marine Economy Minister and ex-governor, Gboyega Oyetola.
Characteristically, Chief Akande, in a deft political move, calmed frayed nerves within the APC, and firmly shut the party’s door against Adeleke, a move which doused the tension within the party.
With the latest move, the state’s PDP chapter will mobilise votes for President Timubu, and Governor Adeleke in the 2027 general elections to secure them their second terms.
The party made this known in a communique issued after the its leadership caucus meeting held at the Government House in Osogbo, the state capital, on Monday, July 21, 2025.
The PDP leaders, while describing Tinubu as the “son of Osun State”, said the decision was made after extensive consultations with traditional rulers, community leaders, civil servants, religious leaders, and members of the party across the state.
They added that the majority APC members in the state were opposed to the idea of Adeleke’s defection to their party “which did not originate from the governor in the first instance.”
They said: “Some APC leaders based on entrenched interests have demonstrated hostility and resentment towards Governor Ademola Adeleke. Some went on social media and national television to call Governor Adeleke all kinds of unprintable names.
“The majority of PDP members in Osun State are not happy about the idea of the defection of Governor Adeleke to APC, but only reluctantly agreed to follow Governor Adeleke to wherever he goes to show their love, support and loyalty to his leadership.”
Therefore, Adeleke and all PDP members in the state will remain in the party, they said.
The party leaders stated: “The PDP in Osun State recognises the fact that Osun State is the ancestral home of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which makes the President the son of Osun State.
“Therefore, the PDP in Osun State hereby, adopts, and endorses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.
“The PDP in Osun State reaffirms its adoption and endorsement of Governor Ademola Adeleke for re-election in the 2026 governorship election on the platform of the PDP.
“That Governor Ademola Adeleke and all members of the PDP in Osun State should remain in the PDP.”
With the latest development, it is believed that the coast is now clear for an amicable resolution of the crisis which had crippled local government administration in the state for many months
