Adeleke Denies Defection Rumour, Reaffirms Commitment to PDP Ahead of 2026 Poll

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed as false and misleading reports claiming he plans to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.

In a statement issued on Friday by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the governor reaffirmed his unwavering loyalty to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), describing the defection rumours as unfounded and politically motivated.

Governor Adeleke made it clear that he remains fully committed to seeking re-election under the PDP platform, stressing that he enjoys overwhelming grassroots support and does not need to form alliances with other political parties to secure victory.

“The governor is not in any form of alliance with the ADC or any other political group,” the statement read. “He will run and win under the PDP, as he currently enjoys broad-based support from the people of Osun due to his exceptional track record in office.”

The governor’s camp also used the opportunity to highlight internal cohesion within the Osun State PDP, noting that the party has already aligned itself with the national agenda, including backing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

Rasheed added that Governor Adeleke remains focused on consolidating his achievements and deepening democratic dividends across the state.

“Osun residents are resolute in their backing of Governor Adeleke. His administration has brought transformative changes and restored public confidence in governance. The people are eager to renew his mandate come 2026,” he said.

He further urged party faithful across the state to remain committed and work towards strengthening party structures at all levels ahead of the 2026 elections.

The statement comes amid ongoing speculation and realignments within the political space, as the countdown to the next electoral cycle gathers momentum.