Political tension has gripped Osun State as unfounded rumors about Governor Ademola Adeleke's alleged defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to circulate ahead of the August 8, 2026 governorship election.
The PDP spokesperson in Osun State, Oladele Bamiji, has categorically dismissed these claims as baseless. In his statement, Bamiji emphasized, "I have debunked this information on many occasions. Ademola Adeleke is not decamping to any political party. Governor Adeleke is not a small fry that will do such a thing in secret if it is true. As at today, he is still in the PDP and he has not decamped to any political party."
Bamiji further revealed that Governor Adeleke has repeatedly reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, putting to rest any speculation about his political allegiance.
On the other side of the political divide, the APC has made it clear that Governor Adeleke is not welcome in their ranks. APC National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, addressed the matter during a media parley organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Zone B on Wednesday, stating, "Adeleke is not joining our party. I know that as of today, decamping is not on board. Although APC is a beautiful bride for anybody that wants to join, I must say here that as a party man and an established politician, I would say that I am one of the people that is extremely loyal to Mr President."
The latest wave of defection rumors intensified on Thursday, spreading across major towns in Osun State and igniting heated debates between supporters of Governor Adeleke and those loyal to his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, who currently leads the APC in the state.
BenriNews gathered that many rumor-mongers have been circulating photos from a recent visit by Governor Adeleke, his older brother Deji Adeleke, and musician David Adeleke (Davido) to President Bola Tinubu. These individuals claim that a defection agreement was finalized during this meeting, allegedly allowing Adeleke to join the APC, complete his second term, and subsequently support President Tinubu's second-term bid in 2027.
In response to these persistent rumors, Governor Adeleke's spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, issued a statement on Thursday describing the defection claims as "false, unfounded, and politically motivated." Rasheed urged the public to disregard the rumors as fake news.
According to Rasheed, Governor Adeleke has noted the widespread rumors with concern and has reassured his supporters and admirers that he remains a committed member of the PDP and the party's leader in Osun State. Quoting the governor, Rasheed stated, "I assure the good people of Osun that I remain part and parcel of the PDP family. I am not defecting to any party."
The spokesperson further disclosed that Governor Adeleke has reiterated his commitment to implementing his administration's five-point agenda, promising intensified efforts to deliver good governance and democratic dividends to the people of Osun State as the 2026 election approaches.
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