Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed his unflinching loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as he debunked his defection rumour unfounded, mischievous, and entirely false.
He declared emphatically on Saturday, “I assure the good people of Osun State that I remain part and parcel of the PDP family. I am not defecting to any party.’
The governor spoke against the backdrop of mounting rumour about his planned defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC, which is the opposition in the state, but the ruling party at the federal level.
The rumour became strengthenwd with some traditional and online media platforms and political actors speculating about his supposed romance with the ruling APC.
Before the governor’s formal statement, his close allies had accused the opposition of fabricating and spreading the rumour to sow discord, unsettle the political landscape in the state, and distract the Governor from his ongoing developmental strides.
Adeleke, in his official reaction said. “These rumours are a figment of some people’s imagination.
“They are desperate attempts by detractors who cannot match our performance to create confusion in the minds of the people. But Osun people are politically aware and can see through such political games.”
Speaking from the Government House in Osogbo, Adeleke emphasised that his political journey, deeply rooted in the PDP, is not about personal gain or political calculation but about delivering tangible results to the people who trusted him with their mandate.
His words, “I was elected under the PDP. I owe my allegiance to the party and to the good people of Osun who voted overwhelmingly for me.
“I remain committed to that social contract. Jumping ship in the middle of governance would be a betrayal of that trust.”
Also, the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, debunked the defection rumours.
He said “Governor Adeleke is not just a PDP member; he is the leader of the party in Osun State.
“He is working day and night to strengthen the party’s structures, mentor young political leaders, and position the PDP as the dominant force in the state and beyond.”
According to Rasheed, the rumours were not only false but also a distraction designed to derail the focus of the administration.
“We know where these speculations are coming from. But they will not succeed. The Governor remains committed to his mandate, to the PDP, and to the people
Adeleke called on the people of the state to remain vigilant and not fall prey to political misinformation, especially in an era where fake news can spread rapidly through social media and blogs.
He encouraged citizens to rely on official government communications and verified media sources for credible updates.
“Our eyes are on the goal — to build a better Osun for all.
“We have no time for political drama. The welfare of the people remains our highest priority.”
According to the statement, “With this firm declaration, Governor Adeleke not only silences the rumour mill but also strengthens his political footing within the PDP, reinforcing his role as a stabilizing force in Osun politics.
“As his administration marches forward, delivering projects and programs that touch the lives of ordinary citizens, Adeleke’s message is clear: He’s not going anywhere—and neither is his commitment to the party and people that brought him to power.”
Since his inauguration in November 2022, Adeleke has consistently aligned himself with the PDP’s core values of inclusive governance, transparency, and social welfare.
His Five-Point Agenda, which focuses on education, healthcare, infrastructure renewal, economic revitalization, and public sector reform, has recorded visible successes across the state.
These include the rehabilitation of rural roads, revitalization of basic healthcare facilities, modernization of public schools, and prompt payment of salaries and pensions—achievements widely acknowledged by citizens and development partners alike.
His supporters believe that the defection rumours are linked to his rising popularity across party lines, which according to them, has caused anxiety within the opposition ranks ahead of the 2026 electoral cycle.
Besides, they believe that what they described as his approachable leadership style, attention to grassroots development, and efforts to depoliticise critical state institutions have earned him bipartisan respect — a rarity in Nigeria’s often polarizing political climate.
