The speculation surrounding the potential defection of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, to the All Progressives Congress (APC) has stirred fresh political tension in both the ruling and opposition camps in the state.
The rumours gained momentum following the recent defection of two Osun senators Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central) from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. In their separate resignation letters dated June 21, the lawmakers cited irreconcilable differences within the PDP as their reason for leaving the party.
The development has fueled speculation that Governor Adeleke may be next to abandon the PDP ship, leading to concern and uncertainty among stakeholders across party lines.
Governance in Osun State has reportedly slowed in recent weeks, with political discussions dominating the public space, especially as the 2027 elections begin to shape political calculations.
Meanwhile, tensions are rising within the APC, where some party members and supporters of governorship aspirants are openly opposing the idea of Adeleke joining their ranks. They fear his entry could upend internal power dynamics and block their preferred candidates from securing the party’s ticket in future elections.
Former Deputy Governor and ex-National Secretary of the APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore, criticized Governor Adeleke’s alleged backdoor approach to joining the party. He advised the governor to engage directly with party leaders in Osun rather than relying on external allies.
“If the state chairman and national chairman are not aware of his move, then party members have every right to be skeptical,” Omisore said.
On the other hand, some APC members see the governor’s possible defection as a strategic advantage. Oladele Oyelude, Coordinator of the Tinubu-Shettima Ambassadors, described Adeleke as a “valuable asset” who could bolster President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
“It would be a political misstep to resist his entry. Adeleke remains popular with the grassroots, and his presence in the APC could be a major boost for the party,” Oyelude stated.
As debate over Adeleke’s political future continues, supporters of both parties have taken to social media in a fierce war of words. PDP loyalists mock APC members, claiming the governor is coming to “take over” their party, while APC supporters dismiss the defection rumours as baseless and futile.
