By John Dike Osogbo
The rumoured defection plan of Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has caused cracks in the state’s chapter of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, the party that sponsored his election.
Also, the rumour has fueled the tension raging in the opposition All Progressives Congress, APC.
The rumour sparked off with the recent visit of Adeleke, accompanied by his billionaire industrialist brother, Deji, and his global music megastar nephew, Davido, to President Bola Tinubu’s Lagos residence.
In fact, the political atmosphere in the tate has become increasingly charged as rumours of the governor’s possible defection to APC, spreads.
The rumour, which has gained momentum in recent weeks, is creating cracks within the PDP and fueling heated debates among political stakeholders and residents alike.
Adeleke, who was elected on the platform of the PDP in 2022, is reportedly considering a switch to the APC in a strategic move aimed at securing re-election in the 2026 governorship election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the election for August 8, 2026.
Although Adeleke has not officially confirmed the defection, insiders within the State Government and the ruling PDP claim that discussions are at an advanced stage, with reports indicating that the governor has received assurances of support from high-ranking APC leaders at the national level.
In response to the speculations, members of both the PDP and the APC have begun to position themselves for the potential political realignment.
While some PDP loyalists have openly expressed dismay and resistance to the alleged plan, others, including members of the governor’s cabinet, have reportedly pledged their loyalty to Adeleke regardless of his political platform.
A recent high-powered executive council meeting convened at the Government House in Osogbo saw commissioners and political appointees reaffirm their commitment to the governor’s leadership, hinting at a collective readiness to follow him should he switch parties.
However, this has deepened concerns among PDP loyalists who feel betrayed by what they describe as an abandonment of the party that brought Adeleke to power.
Speaking with our correspondent, Mr. Jide Ogunbiyi, a prominent PDP supporter in Osogbo Local Government Area, warned that such a move could lead to a mass exodus of grassroots supporters from the PDP to other political platforms, particularly the emerging coalition under the Action Democratic Congress (ADC).
“If Governor Adeleke defects to the APC, it will be seen as a move driven by personal ambition rather than the people’s interest. Many of us in the PDP feel alienated already. If he goes ahead with this plan, don’t be surprised if thousands of us decamp to ADC or any other party that we believe represents our values,” Ogunbiyi stated.
Ogunbiyi added that the governor had earned enough goodwill through his performance to contest and win re-election under any credible platform.
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“He doesn’t need to mortgage his political legacy. If he remains in PDP or even joins ADC, he stands a strong chance. But moving to APC may be interpreted as capitulation to political pressure,” he emphasized.
Mrs. Grace Adekunle, a civil servant and observer of Osun politics, urged residents to remain calm and avoid jumping to conclusions.
“As far as I know, the governor has not made any official statement confirming the defection. He has denied the rumour in the past. Until we see concrete action, we should treat this as speculation. Let’s be patient and keep our fingers crossed,” she advised.
Another notable voice, Hon. Ade Alabi, a ward leader in Osogbo, confirmed that while the rumour of defection had been ongoing for months, party members were anxiously awaiting a clear stance from the governor.
“We’ve heard all kinds of whispers, even meetings allegedly held in Abuja. What we want now is clarity. If the governor defects to APC, it will shake the PDP structure in the state. Many will feel betrayed, especially those who have stood by him from the opposition years,” Alabi said.
He added that a possible fallout of the defection could be the disintegration of PDP’s political machinery, as supporters may rally around new alliances or strengthen the growing coalition around the ADC. “If personal ambition continues to override collective interest, it will be difficult to keep the party intact,” he warned.
The PDP in Osun State has yet to issue an official statement addressing the rumour, although party caucuses at both the state and national levels are reportedly holding emergency consultations.
Meanwhile, the APC leadership in the state remains cautious in its public reaction. A senior party source who spoke on condition of anonymity stated that while the APC welcomes new members, it is “focused on building internal unity and preparing for the 2026 polls.”
Political analysts believe the coming weeks will be crucial for the future of Osun State politics. As tensions rise and alignments shift, the state’s political terrain is set for a dramatic reshaping — one that could determine not just who wins in 2026, but also the long-term survival of dominant political parties in the state.
For now, all eyes remain on Governor Adeleke, whose next political move could either reinforce his image as a people’s governor or cast a shadow over his political legacy.
