Osun 2026: Adeleke’s Aide Labels Oyetola Weakest Opponent, Confirms Governor’s Loyalty to PDP

The Special Adviser on Political Matters to Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Muniru Raji, has described former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola as the weakest potential candidate in the 2026 governorship election.

Speaking during a podcast titled Lero Temi, recorded in Osogbo, Raji said that Oyetola, who currently serves as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, would face a resounding defeat if presented as the All Progressives Congress (APC) flag bearer in the next gubernatorial race.

“Adegboyega Oyetola is the easiest candidate to defeat in any governorship election,” Raji said.

“If the APC decides to make him their flag bearer, I assure you that Governor Adeleke will defeat him soundly once again, just as he did in 2022.”

Raji’s remarks come amid recent political speculations surrounding Governor Adeleke’s alleged defection plans and the Osun chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s stance on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election.

Clearing the air, Raji affirmed that Governor Adeleke remains firmly rooted in the PDP and has no plans to switch parties. He acknowledged that defection is a normal aspect of Nigerian politics but emphasised that Adeleke has never wavered in his loyalty to the PDP.

“Defection is normal. But I want you to know that when Adeleke became governor, the PDP did not have any elected political office holder in office; they were all APC members,” he said. “Yet, the electorate stood by him, and they continue to do so.”

Raji stressed that the support of voters has been the backbone of Adeleke’s political success, not just elected officials.

“The elected political office holders are not as important as the electorate,” he said. “They have been backing Adeleke since 2018, 2022, and even now, ahead of 2026. Those who have resigned from the party may have prioritised their personal ambitions over the people who voted for them.”

On Adeleke’s 2026 re-election bid, Raji confirmed the governor will run again under the PDP platform. He also dismissed reports of internal discord within the PDP, particularly over the position of the National Secretary, noting that the matter has been resolved.

“The PDP has resolved to work with the candidate recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Adeleke is not leaving the PDP,” he affirmed.

Addressing rumours that Adeleke had engaged in talks with APC leaders regarding a potential defection, Raji strongly denied the claims.

“I can assure you that Adeleke did not meet with any APC members,” he stated.

However, in a surprising remark, Raji revealed that Governor Adeleke and the Osun PDP would support President Bola Tinubu’s re-election in 2027.

“In 2027, Adeleke and the PDP will vote for APC and Tinubu as President. This is because the president is losing his support base in the North. We are voting because Tinubu is a Yoruba man from the South,” he said.

Raji’s statement is expected to stir political reactions both within the PDP and across party lines, especially as the build-up to the 2026 and 2027 elections intensifies.