For the first time since speculations emerged, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has confirmed that he attempted to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the All Progressives Congress, APC, but was rebuffed by leaders of the opposition party in the state.
Adeleke made the revelation during the Osun State PDP Leadership Caucus meeting held at the Government House, Osogbo, on Sunday, July 21, 2025.
The meeting culminated in the issuance of a communiqué endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027.
The communiqué, which was signed by Governor Adeleke, his deputy Prince Kola Adewusi, former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and other PDP stakeholders, outlined the reasons behind the endorsement and detailed the governor’s earlier overtures to the APC.
“I did make attempts to join the APC, but I was met with hostility. Many members of the party went on social media and national television to call me all sorts of unprintable names,” he said.
According to the communiqué, the party consulted traditional rulers, community leaders, civil servants, religious groups, market associations, and other stakeholders before arriving at its decisions.
The leadership caucus noted that many within the APC opposed Adeleke’s defection and that the idea did not originate from the governor.
“Some APC leaders, based on entrenched interests, demonstrated clear resentment and rejection. The PDP in Osun remains strong and united, and Governor Adeleke enjoys massive support among the people.”
Despite the controversy, the PDP in Osun reaffirmed Adeleke’s candidacy for the 2026 governorship election, and stated that the governor and all party members should remain in the PDP, warning against further speculation about defection.
The communiqué declared, “Osun is the ancestral home of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and therefore, the Osun PDP hereby adopts and endorses him for re-election in the 2027 presidential election.”
The party leadership also resolved to circulate the resolution to all party structures across the state and instructed members to focus on governance and the implementation of Adeleke’s Five Point Agenda.
The communiqué also called for party unity, stating, “The PDP in Osun remains the most acceptable political platform in the state. We shall continue to deliver good governance to our people.”
Among the signatories to the resolution were notable figures including Senator Lere Oyewumi, Bamidele Salam, Moruf Adewale Adebayo, Adewale Egbedun, and former Speaker, Lasun Yusuf.
Others included former PDP National Secretary Prof. Wale Oladipo, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, Dr. Muyiwa Oladimeji, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, and the Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye.