Defections rock Osun as PDP members join APC amid Adeleke speculation

Osun State is witnessing a major political shake-up as hundreds of members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), fueling speculation that Governor Ademola Adeleke may be preparing to switch parties ahead of the 2026 governorship race.

The defections come in the wake of growing uncertainty over Adeleke’s political future, as several PDP stakeholders have openly declared their readiness to follow the governor to any political platform he may choose.

In a high-level meeting held over the weekend at the Government House Banquet Hall in Osogbo, top figures in the PDP and Osun State Government — including Governor Adeleke, Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, Senator Lere Oyewumi, PDP State Chairman Sunday Bisi, and former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola — convened to discuss the unfolding situation.

Following the deliberations, a communiqué was issued affirming the loyalty of party leaders and government officials to Governor Adeleke, indicating that his potential defection would not fracture the state’s PDP structure.

Speaking on the matter, Malam Olawale Rasheed, the governor’s spokesperson, confirmed that consultations are ongoing within and outside the state regarding Adeleke’s political trajectory.

Meanwhile, the Forum of Special Advisers to the Governor, led by Dr. Adekunle Akindele, has also pledged full support for Adeleke, stressing that their allegiance transcends party boundaries.

“Our loyalty is to the governor and the progress of Osun. Whatever direction he goes, we go,” Dr. Akindele said.

As defections continue, some former PDP loyalists have thrown their weight behind Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi, a former PDP chieftain now in the APC, who has launched his 2026 governorship campaign.

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Speaking at a rally, Adebayo Adeniran, a former PDP stalwart, said the move was driven by the APC’s perceived readiness to provide effective leadership in Osun.

Dr. Ogunbiyi described the APC as a “winning team,” while downplaying the speculation surrounding Adeleke’s alleged interest in joining the party.

“I’m focused on building a coalition for victory. Governor Adeleke has not declared any intention to join us, and we remain open to all who believe in Osun’s future,” Ogunbiyi said.

However, the growing APC realignment has sparked internal tensions, particularly from the camp of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.

His supporters have warned that Adeleke must not be allowed to contest under the APC, arguing that Oyetola deserves the party’s 2026 ticket to complete a second term.

Political analyst Tolu Ajayi observed that the wave of defections and loyalty pledges reflect Adeleke’s strong grassroots appeal, but warned of potential fragmentation within both major parties.

“Adeleke is a powerful political force in Osun. If he defects to the APC, it could unsettle existing power blocs — especially Oyetola’s loyalists. But it also risks weakening the PDP’s national structure in the South-West,” he noted.