Adeleke Denies Defection Rumours, Reaffirms Commitment to PDP Ahead of 2026 Election
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed widespread rumours suggesting he plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2026 governorship election. In a statement issued through his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor described the reports as baseless and politically motivated, aimed at misleading the public and destabilising the PDP in Osun. Governor Adeleke affirmed his unwavering loyalty to the PDP and made it clear that he would seek re-election on the party’s platform. According to his media aide, Adeleke has no intention of joining the ADC or forming any political alliance with its members. He added that the speculation is a calculated attempt by opposition figures to sow confusion and weaken the governor’s political base. Rasheed stated that Adeleke’s performance in office speaks for itself and will be the foundation of his re-election campaign. He emphasised that the governor does not require any alliance to secure victory in 2026, pointing out that his developmental projects and popularity among the people of Osun are already a strong guarantee of electoral success. He further warned the public to disregard the defection rumours, describing them as distractions that have no basis in reality. Rasheed noted that Governor Adeleke remains focused on his administration’s goals of infrastructure renewal, social intervention, and people-driven governance. The statement also reaffirmed that there are no disagreements within the PDP in Osun and that the party’s leadership is fully united behind Adeleke. Despite recent political realignments in the country and ongoing speculation about defections in several states, Adeleke’s declaration puts an end to any ambiguity about his political future. With the 2026 Osun governorship election drawing closer, Governor Adeleke’s firm denial has reassured party members and supporters of his continued commitment to the PDP, reinforcing his position as a leading contender in the upcoming poll.
