News

Osun 2026: Fresh Rumours of Adeleke’s Defection Stir Anxiety in PDP, APC Camps

Published by Akinwale Fakinlede on July 12th, 2025.

Although no official statement has been made by the governor or his media team, whispers within political circles suggest that Adeleke may be contemplating a strategic exit from the PDP, the platform that brought him to power in 2022. This speculation, though unverified, has been enough to cause visible unease among party stakeholders and rival camps alike.

PDP’s Growing Unease

Within the PDP, the rumoured defection has triggered internal discussions about loyalty, future leadership, and the party’s preparedness for the 2026 election. Party insiders express concern that if Adeleke — widely seen as the face of the PDP in Osun — were to jump ship, the party could face a serious leadership vacuum and possible electoral collapse.

A senior party member who spoke under anonymity described the situation as “a moment of reflection for the PDP in Osun.”

Governor Adeleke is not just a politician; he’s a symbol of our recent resurgence. Any movement away from the PDP would be deeply destabilizing,” the source said.

APC’s Quiet Nervousness

Meanwhile, in the APC, which is still nursing its wounds from the 2022 loss, Adeleke’s possible defection isn’t necessarily being celebrated. Instead, there’s growing discomfort about how the governor’s popularity — if redirected — could reshape the party’s internal dynamics and future candidacy plans.

Some APC chieftains fear that Adeleke’s entry could overshadow long-standing loyalists and reignite factional disputes that have previously plagued the party.

He’s a grassroots politician with youth support. If he joins APC, it could be both a blessing and a curse,” a former APC state executive noted.

Why the Rumours Matter

Osun politics is known for its unpredictability, and politicians often use the element of surprise to secure strategic advantages. Adeleke’s silence on the rumours has only added fuel to the fire, leaving supporters and opponents speculating about his next move.

Political analysts believe the governor may be testing the waters or sending a message to PDP leadership about his value ahead of intense power negotiations for 2026.

Dr. Kola Adebayo, a political science lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University, believes the rumours could be part of a broader power play.

“This could be a negotiation tactic or a genuine reflection of dissatisfaction within the PDP. Either way, it shows how central Adeleke is to Osun’s political future,” he said.

A Waiting Game

For now, the rumour mill continues to spin, with no clear indication of Adeleke’s political direction. Yet, the uncertainty alone has proven powerful enough to shake up both major parties in the state.

As 2026 approaches, Osun’s political players will be watching closely — not just for Adeleke’s next move, but for how it could reshape the future of the state’s governance

and party politics.