Tensions are rising within both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State following reports of a potential defection plot by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The allegations, which remain unconfirmed outside the governor’s inner circle, suggest that Adeleke is considering joining the APC in an effort to secure a second term in office. Sources have indicated that Adeleke has been in talks with the presidency about the move, but multiple attempts to meet with President Bola Tinubu have reportedly failed. Some officials at the presidency have allegedly blocked the governor’s access, while others claim his meetings with Tinubu have not been productive.
Sunday Akere, a prominent APC chieftain and former Information Commissioner in Osun, said that Adeleke had sought to join the APC to secure an automatic ticket for re-election, but the party had rejected such an arrangement. Akere clarified that while membership in the APC is open, the party’s governorship ticket would not be offered to Adeleke.
“Membership of a political party is free entry and free exit,” Akere said. “If Adeleke wants to join, he’s welcome, but the governorship ticket is not up for grabs. No one, not even the governor, can negotiate for it.”
Akere added that despite multiple efforts, the presidency had consistently denied Adeleke’s request to negotiate for the ticket. “They’ve been trying for over a year, but the presidency has made it clear that the governorship ticket is not part of the discussion,” he said.
In response, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, vehemently dismissed the defection rumors, calling them “fake news from the pit of hell.” Rasheed described the reports as an attempt by the opposition to create confusion as they struggle to find a viable candidate for the 2026 governorship race.
“The opposition is desperate and scrambling for a candidate, but they are only fooling themselves. The real truth is that the governor enjoys strong support from the people of Osun and has the backing of the federal government for his focus on good governance,” Rasheed said. “Governor Adeleke has never held any meeting about defection, either in Nigeria or abroad.”
Rasheed added that the governor remains committed to collaborating with the federal government on national programs and supports President Tinubu’s economic reforms. “Supporting the president’s agenda is a national duty, and Governor Adeleke believes that success for President Tinubu is success for all Nigerians, particularly the Yoruba.”
Despite the denial, sources within the APC have indicated that there is some quiet acknowledgment of the defection talks. “Politics is a game of numbers,” one source said, suggesting a possible tacit endorsement of the move. However, internal opposition within the APC is reportedly concerned about the implications of admitting Adeleke, citing his past and political baggage.
“Accepting him into the party could be like carrying someone covered in rashes—it’s not a good look,” the source said. “With the recent defection of Prince Dotun Babayemi and his supporters to the APC, the PDP is already on the ropes, but we don’t need Adeleke to win in Osun.”
Meanwhile, the Coalition of Osun All Progressives Congress Interest Groups (COAIG) has continued to advocate for the zoning of the governorship ticket to the Osun West Senatorial District, arguing that the region has been denied access to the state’s leadership since 1999.
In a statement, Samuel Iwolode, COAIG’s Director of Public Engagement, criticized those opposing the zoning proposal, claiming they are acting out of selfish interest. The group emphasized that the push for zoning is rooted in equity and fairness, as Osun West has never produced a gubernatorial candidate for the APC.
“Our call for a candidate from Osun West is not about political division but about fairness and unity within the party,” Iwolode said. “The district has been loyal to the party, despite being sidelined, and we believe it is time for the zone to have a chance at the governorship.”
COAIG also pointed to the success of zoning in the party’s national leadership, citing Senator Ajibola Bashiru’s unopposed rise to the position of APC National Secretary as an example of how zoning benefits the party’s unity.
The group reiterated that its advocacy for zoning is not about specific individuals but about ensuring that the party remains inclusive and fair in its distribution of political power. “Zoning is an essential tool for fostering unity and fairness,” the statement concluded.
