Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has firmly denied rumors suggesting an imminent defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, addressed the speculations on Wednesday, dismissing them as entirely unfounded.
The political chatter escalated after Governor Adeleke met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos, with images of the two leaders fueling widespread conjecture about a possible shift in party allegiance. However, sources close to the Governor clarified that the visit was purely a courtesy call, not a political negotiation.
Governor Adeleke’s allegiance remains with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a fact underscored by the party’s vocal criticism of the APC-led federal government on critical issues such as the economy, security, and governance. His clear repudiation of defection rumors reinforces his dedication to PDP’s core values and its mission as a key opposition force.
The Nigerian political landscape has recently witnessed several notable defections from PDP to APC, prompting intense debate over shifting alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections. Yet, Governor Adeleke’s steadfast loyalty injects momentum into PDP’s efforts to consolidate and reposition itself as a formidable contender in the evolving political arena.
This recent interaction between Governor Adeleke and President Tinubu highlights the complex and dynamic nature of Nigerian politics, where courtesy meetings often attract broad speculation. As both APC and PDP prepare for upcoming electoral contests, such interactions will continue to be scrutinized for potential shifts in the balance of power.
Governor Ademola Adeleke’s outright dismissal of defection rumors signals a reaffirmation of his political commitment and adds a significant dimension to the ongoing discourse around party allegiance in Nigeria.