Tensions have escalated between the Osun State chapters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the rumored defection attempt by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The APC claimed Adeleke was rejected by its party leaders, branding him a political liability whose defection would damage the party’s image.
In a statement issued in Osogbo, APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi accused Adeleke of attempting to join the APC solely out of fear of losing re-election in 2026.
“The people of Osun know this was a desperate move to survive politically,” Olabisi said. “Adeleke wanted to use our party as a safe haven, while his PDP allies continue to attack President Bola Tinubu in the media. You can’t insult our party leader on radio and still try to act friendly in Abuja.”
Olabisi also referenced a communique signed by Adeleke and 27 PDP leaders, which acknowledged internal resistance to his defection plan.
In response, Osun PDP Chairman Sunday Bisi dismissed the APC’s allegations, insisting that the PDP remains focused on development and integrity.
“We are not engaging in voter importation or rigging,” Bisi said. “Our performance speaks for us, and we are confident Osun people will support Governor Adeleke in 2026.”
He added that Adeleke remains committed to the PDP and would emerge victorious in the next election, with the support of both party members and the people. Bisi also expressed optimism about President Tinubu’s re-election, saying PDP supporters would back him despite political differences.
Meanwhile, amid ongoing defections from the PDP in Osun, 25 state lawmakers have pledged their unwavering support for Governor Adeleke.
Although five federal lawmakers from Osun have recently resigned from the PDP— including Reps Oluwole Oke, Abimbola Ajilesoro, Sanya Ominrin, and Senators Francis Fadahunsi and Olubiyi Fadeyi— the state legislators dismissed speculation of further exits.
Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, assured journalists on Wednesday that the PDP caucus remains united.
“There is no crisis or defection in the Osun Assembly,” Egbedun said. “We are committed to Adeleke and the party. We won’t be swayed by pressure or political noise. We serve the people and intend to uphold that trust.”
He also revealed efforts were underway to win over the remaining APC lawmakers in the House to further strengthen Adeleke’s reelection bid.
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