- APC alleges Adeleke attempted to defect but was rejected due to APC's no-automatic-ticket condition
- Governor’s spokesperson insists Adeleke remains loyal to the PDP, dismissing the defection claim as fiction
- The Osun governor’s camp describes the APC’s allegations as a diversion from the party’s internal crisis
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has alleged that Governor Ademola Adeleke attempted to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but was rebuffed due to conditions set by the APC national leadership.
The APC, in a statement signed by its Director of Media, Kola Olabisi, claimed Adeleke’s defection bid failed after he was informed that he would not receive an automatic governorship ticket under the party. The party demanded a retraction from the governor, who, during a recent meeting with PDP stakeholders in Osogbo, denied contemplating defection.
Olabisi likened Adeleke’s alleged secret attempt to switch parties to “a promiscuous housewife” and claimed that the governor’s efforts were widely known within political circles, citing a supposed visit to APC chieftain Chief Bisi Akande as part of the failed defection process.
He said Adeleke’s denials before party elders, including former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and other prominent PDP leaders, amounted to dishonesty, especially in light of his alleged midnight meetings with Southwest APC governors and business moguls to facilitate the move.
In response, Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson to Governor Adeleke, issued a strong rebuttal, calling the APC’s claims false and delusional. He stated that Adeleke had never negotiated or considered defection from the PDP, either in the past or present.
Rasheed said Adeleke’s record of governance, which includes widespread recognition from federal agencies and endorsements from Osun workers, eliminates any need to switch parties for political security. He cited Adeleke’s high job approval rating and noted that his administration has delivered more in two years than the APC did in over a decade.
He dismissed the APC’s allegations as a distraction from the party’s internal crises and diminishing public credibility.
“A performing governor who enjoys overwhelming support has no reason to join a party plagued by leadership crises and a legacy of failed governance,” Rasheed said.
PDP hails Governor Adeleke's impact in Osun
Meanwhile, TheRadar reported that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for his “giant strides” in governance as he nears his second anniversary in office as Governor of Osun State.
In a statement released via its official X handle on Friday, November 22, the PDP leadership highlighted several significant achievements under Adeleke’s administration, with a particular focus on infrastructure development, healthcare reforms, and community empowerment.
