Osun 2026: Governor Adeleke Debunks Defection Rumours, Reaffirms Commitment to PDP
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has denied recent speculation suggesting he is planning to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2026 governorship election. The governor described the reports as “fabricated” and reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the PDP, under which he intends to seek re-election.
In a statement released on Thursday, August 1, Adeleke, through his spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, clarified that he has no political alliance with the ADC or any other party and that the rumour is an attempt to distract the public from his administration’s accomplishments. “Governor Adeleke has no alliance with anyone in ADC. He remains in PDP, will run in PDP, and needs no alliance with ADC to win,” the statement read. The governor’s office further stated that the defection rumours were being pushed by political adversaries attempting to sow discord within the PDP in Osun State. Rasheed noted that such claims are not new and have previously surfaced without basis.
In response to the swirling speculation, members of Adeleke’s cabinet also reaffirmed their loyalty to the PDP and the governor’s leadership. They collectively dismissed the defection reports, describing them as “misinformation being spread by enemies of progress.” The state executive council, in a joint statement, emphasized that Adeleke had reinvigorated the PDP in Osun and maintained that he remained the rallying point for the party's political strength in the state.
The clarification comes amid intensified political activity ahead of the Osun 2026 governorship election, scheduled for August 8, 2026. Political observers have noted the increased pressure on prominent officeholders in the state as political parties gear up for the election season. Adeleke’s reaffirmation of his PDP membership is seen as a strategic move to settle uncertainties among supporters and prevent factional defections within the party.
