BREAKING: Governor Adeleke Reportedly Lobbying to Join APC in Osun State

Speculations over a potential defection by Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, have intensified following his recent closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa.

TJ News Nigerialearnt that prominent political figures are alleging that Governor Adeleke is making behind-the-scenes moves to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), signaling a significant shift in Osun’s political landscape.

Omisore Alleges Adeleke Is ‘Begging’ to Join APC

Former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, made the claims during a live interview on Channels Television on Wednesday. Omisore described Governor Adeleke as a “political orphan,” alleging that he has been lobbying APC leaders across the country, including a prominent southern governor, in a bid to secure admission into the ruling party.

“For the past three years, he has been governing that state without a single person decamping from APC to PDP,” Omisore said. “Meanwhile, over one-seventh of PDP members have moved to APC, including prominent figures like Alhaji Isa Oyedokun, Dayo Babayemi, Hon. Wole Oke, and more are still coming.”

He added: “Why do you want to force yourself on the party? Why is the governor begging to enter the party? He is struggling, begging and fighting to join APC.”

Closed-Door Meeting With Tinubu Fuels Defection Speculation

Governor Adeleke’s recent visit to Aso Rock, where he held a private meeting with President Tinubu, has further fueled speculation about his defection plans. Political analysts believe the timing of the visit aligns with the growing wave of defections from the opposition PDP to the APC, particularly in the South-West.

Although details of the meeting remain undisclosed, the encounter is seen as a strong indication of Adeleke’s interest in repositioning himself politically ahead of the next electoral cycle.

Defections and Realignment in Osun Politics

Senator Omisore pointed out that the PDP in Osun has witnessed significant depletion, with several influential figures joining the APC in recent months. Among them are:

• Alhaji Isa Oyedokun
• Dayo Babayemi
• Hon. Wole Oke

He noted that despite Governor Adeleke’s control of the state machinery, his inability to attract new political heavyweights from the APC to the PDP shows dwindling influence.

No Official Statement Yet from Adeleke

As of press time, Governor Adeleke has not made any official statement to confirm or deny the allegations of defection or the purpose of his recent visit to the presidency. His media aides also remained silent when contacted for clarification.

Meanwhile, political observers say the situation reflects the broader struggle within the PDP as it continues to lose grip on strategic states in the South-West.

Background: Adeleke’s Political Journey

Governor Ademola Adeleke rose to political prominence under the PDP platform, first winning a senatorial seat in 2017 and later securing the Osun governorship in 2022 after defeating incumbent Gboyega Oyetola in a fiercely contested election.

His tenure has been marked by a mix of populist policy moves and political tension, particularly regarding control of party structures and governance dynamics within the state.

What This Could Mean for the 2026 Elections

Should Adeleke defect to the APC, it could significantly alter the political calculus ahead of the 2026 governorship elections in Osun. The APC, which has maintained a strong grassroots presence, would likely consolidate power with the governor’s entry, while the PDP could face further erosion of its base.

Political commentators warn that such a move could either boost Adeleke’s chances of reelection or trigger a backlash from loyalists who view the PDP as the platform that launched his political success.

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Conclusion

Governor Ademola Adeleke’s rumored defection to the APC, if confirmed, would mark a pivotal realignment in Osun politics. With Senator Omisore’s claims now in the public domain, the political climate in the state is likely to heat up as stakeholders await a formal response from the governor.

TJ News Nigeria will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they unfold.

 

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