By Peter Omopo
By Ismaeel Uthman, Bola Bamigbola, and Imoleayo Oyedeyi
Saturday, July 12, 2025
A growing wave of political uncertainty has gripped both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State following strong indications that Governor Ademola Adeleke may be planning to defect from the PDP to the ruling APC.
Multiple sources within Adeleke’s inner circle, including cabinet members and political aides, confirmed to Saturday PUNCH that the governor had advanced discussions with key APC figures and was weighing a formal defection, though no official date has been set.
The rumours, which began circulating in June after Adeleke paid a visit to President Bola Tinubu at his Bourdillon residence in Lagos—accompanied by his billionaire brother, Deji Adeleke, and music star nephew, Davido—have since intensified with fresh social media posts from his aides.
Confirmation from Close Associates
A senior commissioner in Adeleke’s cabinet, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the governor had briefed key officials in the cabinet and the Osun State House of Assembly about a possible defection, citing political pressures and threats to his family’s business interests.
“Mr Governor will join the APC, but not immediately. It is a strategic move driven by federal political threats, the withholding of local government funds, and emerging risks to his brother’s business empire,” the source disclosed.
Similarly, a top APC official in Osun revealed that Adeleke had begun consultations with party leaders but still needed the approval of influential figures like former governor Bisi Akande and Minister Gboyega Oyetola.
“Adeleke has engaged lobbyists to reach the President. However, key stakeholders like Akande and Oyetola have yet to endorse his move. Tinubu’s intervention will be crucial,” the APC official stated.
Defection Hints on Social Media
The speculation was further stoked on Thursday when the Osun PDP Director of Media and Information, Oladele Bamiji—who also serves as Senior Special Assistant to the governor—posted the Tinubu-associated slogan “On Your Mandate!” on Facebook. The post sparked widespread reactions, especially from APC loyalists wary of Adeleke’s potential entry.
Another senior aide to the governor told Saturday PUNCH that ongoing legal uncertainties surrounding the PDP’s internal crisis and the fast-approaching 2026 governorship election had increased pressure on Adeleke to switch parties.
“With the PDP primary set for September and no clarity on who will sign Adeleke’s nomination form amid the PDP crisis, fears of litigation are mounting. That’s why the governor is exploring alternatives,” the aide explained.
Special Senior Assistant Olalekan Badmus also hinted at the development, tweeting Friday: “Governor Adeleke is currently consulting and evaluating all options on the table… Reports of imminent arrival at a particular party are at best speculative.”
Tinubu’s Inner Circle Allegedly Involved
Reports also indicate that key players within President Tinubu’s circle, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, are involved in brokering the defection. Sources suggest the President’s family members have been instrumental in facilitating Adeleke’s political shift.
Denials from Governor, APC
Despite mounting speculation, the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, denied any defection plan in a statement issued Thursday.
“I assure the good people of Osun that I remain part and parcel of the PDP family. I am not defecting to any party,” Adeleke was quoted as saying, reaffirming his commitment to his administration’s five-point agenda.
At the national level, APC National Secretary Ajibola Basiru also dismissed the reports, saying he was unaware of any planned defection.
“I can’t react based on social media frenzy. As far as I know, there is no such plan officially brought to the party,” Basiru told Saturday PUNCH.
Similarly, Osun APC spokesperson Kola Olabisi said the party had no knowledge of Adeleke’s potential move, noting that such a decision would rest solely with the party’s leadership.
Panic in Both Camps
Nonetheless, the reports have stirred tension in both political camps. Within the APC, some loyalists of former governor Gboyega Oyetola fear that Adeleke’s entry could threaten the ambitions of leading party figures like Bola Oyebamiji.
On the PDP side, concerns are mounting over the potential fallout of losing Adeleke, whose family is regarded as the party’s financial backbone in Osun.
Political observers say the coming weeks will be critical in determining the future of Adeleke’s political allegiance and the broader dynamics ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial race.
