‘Adeleke May Remain In PDP’ – Source Claims As APC Defection Hits The Rock

Amid swirling rumours of defection, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, is reportedly in talks with top leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to facilitate a move from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party.

Multiple sources within the PDP and APC have confirmed to Vanguard that Adeleke is keen on joining the APC ahead of the 2026 governorship election, a development that has unsettled both political camps in the state.

Naijaonpoint reports that the recent defection of two Osun PDP senators, Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central), to the APC further intensified speculations, with many viewing their movement as a precursor to Adeleke’s possible defection.

However, an APC source at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja dismissed the idea that the senators were part of Adeleke’s plan, insisting their actions were independent.

“The defection of Senators Francis Fadahunsi and Olubiyi Fadeyi has nothing to do with Governor Adeleke. The senators went to negotiate their fate separately. Adeleke’s camp didn’t carry them along,” the source said.

Despite ongoing discussions between Adeleke’s team and APC figures in Abuja, insiders say the talks have hit a brick wall, particularly due to resistance from the Osun APC faction loyal to former governor and current Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola.

A source close to the PDP said, “The governor is playing his part to progress with the talk. I can tell you for free that his camp is talking with the Abuja APC camp. The problem is with Oyetola’s men who are dragging their feet.”

The PDP insider added that Adeleke is seeking an automatic ticket from the APC and is willing to support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027 as part of the deal.

Reacting to the reports, a chieftain of the Osun APC, Remi Omowaiye, criticised Adeleke for allegedly attempting to defect through informal channels without consulting the party leadership in the state.

Omowaiye said, “For me, the governor’s rumoured defection remains within the space of social media. If he wants to join, there are proper channels to follow.

“As of today, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola remains the leader of the party in Osun. I’m not aware that the governor has reached out to him. You can’t join the party through some governors in other states.”

Omowaiye also raised concerns about Adeleke’s performance in office, citing poor governance as a major challenge to his acceptance.

“He has a lot of baggage with him. He sacked teachers and health workers without replacements, he is building sub-standard infrastructure, and we’ve asked for the bridge designs to no avail. What do we tell the people when he comes with this baggage?” he queried.

With negotiations stalling at the state level, sources say only the intervention of the APC national leadership or President Tinubu himself can revive the talks.

“Presently, it is only the President and Oyetola who can give specific direction for the negotiation. From the look of things, the governor may remain in the PDP for the 2026 governorship election unless the national leadership intervenes,” an APC source stated.