Adeleke Denies Defection Rumours, Reaffirms Loyalty to PDP

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has refuted claims that he is planning to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), affirming his commitment to the party and its values.

In a post shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Saturday, Governor Adeleke addressed rising speculations surrounding his political allegiance. “Over the last few hours, I have been inundated with calls regarding rumours of a possible defection. I want to assure the good people of Osun State and Nigerians at large; I remain a loyal member and the leader of the People’s Democratic Party in Osun State,” he said.

Adeleke, who won the 2022 Osun governorship election after defeating APC’s Gboyega Oyetola, emphasized that his priority remains delivering on his administration’s promises. “My focus remains on delivering good governance and fulfilling our 5-point agenda for Osun people. Please disregard the fake news and continue to support our mission for a better Osun State,” he added.

This is not the first time Adeleke has dismissed defection rumours. Back in May, during a meeting with party stakeholders, he had also ruled out any plans to switch allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The latest round of rumours came shortly after Adeleke visited President Bola Tinubu at his Ikoyi residence in Lagos on June 3, accompanied by his brother, Adedeji Adeleke, and music star Davido.

His reaffirmation comes amid a tense period for the PDP. The party recently suffered high-profile defections, including those of Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, along with several top allies, to the APC. Former Delta Governor and PDP vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa, also defected.

Meanwhile, internal strife continues to plague the PDP, particularly over who holds the office of National Secretary—an unresolved dispute between Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye.

Adding to the party’s troubles, on June 30, PDP chieftain Bode George and other NWC members were temporarily denied access to the party’s national secretariat ahead of scheduled NEC and BoT meetings. The standoff was eventually resolved, allowing the PDP to proceed with its 100th NEC meeting at Wadata Plaza in Abuja.