By Ayomide Otitoju
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has dismissed rumours suggesting his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), reiterating his loyalty to the party and asserting his position as its leader in the state.
In a statement on Friday, July 4, the governor addressed growing speculation, particularly after a recent visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos alongside his brother, Adedeji Adeleke, and Afrobeats star Davido.
“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,” Adeleke stated.
He emphasized his commitment to delivering good governance under the PDP platform, urging the public to ignore what he described as “fake news.”
This is not the first time Adeleke has had to dismiss defection rumours. In May, he reaffirmed his allegiance to the PDP during a stakeholders’ meeting amid internal party tensions.
His renewed declaration comes at a time of growing instability within the PDP. Recently, Governors Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom and Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, along with other party leaders including former vice-presidential candidate Ifeanyi Okowa, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC), citing the need for political alignment with federal development efforts.
The PDP is also facing internal wrangling, including a protracted leadership dispute over the role of National Secretary, contested by Samuel Anyanwu and Sunday Ude-Okoye. Tensions escalated further on June 30 when party chieftain Bode George and several National Working Committee members were temporarily barred from entering the PDP Secretariat in Abuja.
Despite the growing exodus and internal challenges, Governor Adeleke’s statement seeks to project stability and loyalty, even as opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, explore new political alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections.
