Adeleke, Osun PDP Reject Atiku’s Coalition, Reaffirm Commitment to Party Unity
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, led by Governor Ademola Adeleke, has distanced itself from the emerging opposition coalition spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar.
In a clear statement of loyalty, both the governor and the state PDP hierarchy have rejected any insinuation of defection or alignment with the new political arrangement, insisting that the PDP remains strong and united in Osun.
The development comes amid ongoing efforts by Atiku and other prominent politicians to forge a broad-based coalition that could serve as a common front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
However, the Osun PDP leadership appears unwilling to be drawn into what it views as a distraction from its local governance priorities and internal party cohesion.
Governor Adeleke, who recently came under intense speculation following his visit to Lagos—where he reportedly met with President Bola Tinubu and other key APC figures—categorically dismissed rumours that he was planning to leave the PDP.
In a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor described such reports as fake news and reaffirmed his absolute commitment to the PDP.
“I remain a bona fide member and leader of the PDP. There is no defection in the works. These rumours are politically motivated and baseless,” Adeleke stated.
He added that his visit to Lagos was personal and had no political undertones, urging the public to disregard any claims suggesting otherwise.
The state’s PDP structure echoed the governor’s position. Commissioners, special advisers, and members of the state executive council held meetings in Osogbo to reaffirm their allegiance to the PDP and express confidence in Adeleke’s leadership. Party officials maintained that Osun PDP remains solidly on ground and focused on delivering good governance in the state.
Addressing Atiku’s coalition efforts, the Osun PDP subtly signaled disinterest in being part of any alliance that may dilute the party’s structure or redirect its agenda. Without directly attacking the coalition, state party leaders emphasized their resolve to strengthen the PDP from within and prepare for the 2026 gubernatorial election and the 2027 general polls under the party’s established platform.
Political observers view Osun State as a critical battleground in the coming election cycles.
The rejection of the coalition move by one of the PDP’s few southern governors is seen as a potential blow to Atiku’s broader strategy of consolidating opposition strength under a single front. Moreover, Adeleke’s stance could influence other PDP-controlled states, particularly in the South-West, where internal divisions have weakened the party’s electoral footing in recent years.
In response to the developments, some APC figures in Osun welcomed Adeleke’s continued presence in the PDP, noting that their own party’s ticket is not up for negotiation. This comes amid speculation that some APC stakeholders had sought to court the Osun governor, a move that now appears unlikely.
As political realignments continue across Nigeria ahead of 2026 and 2027, Adeleke’s firm hold on the Osun PDP and rejection of external coalitions signal a preference for party discipline and grassroots strength over speculative alliances.
The governor’s move may serve as a rallying point for other PDP loyalists wary of surrendering the party’s identity to a wider, less cohesive opposition front.
