Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has categorically denied reports suggesting he plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the African Democratic Congress, describing such claims as deliberate misinformation designed to create political confusion.
Through a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke dismissed the defection reports as entirely false and accused unnamed political opponents of spreading the rumors to undermine his administration’s growing acceptance among Osun residents.
The governor’s office characterized the reports as a calculated strategy by individuals who are allegedly threatened by Adeleke’s increasing popularity and political standing in the state. According to the statement, these opponents are attempting to create uncertainty and confusion among Osun citizens regarding the governor’s political allegiance.
Rasheed emphasized that Governor Adeleke remains fully committed to the PDP and has no intention of joining the ADC or any other political party. The spokesperson stressed that the governor’s primary focus continues to be delivering good governance and democratic dividends to the people of Osun State who entrusted him with their mandate three years ago.
The statement revealed that Governor Adeleke and PDP leaders in the state are actively engaged in strengthening party structures in preparation for ongoing voter registration exercises ahead of upcoming elections. The governor’s team expressed confidence in his prospects for re-election, citing his strong positioning within the party and among voters.
According to the governor’s spokesperson, the timing of these defection rumors coincides with what he described as a series of unsolicited endorsements that Governor Adeleke has been receiving from various quarters. The statement suggested that these endorsements have rattled opponents who fear the governor’s growing influence and popular support.
The governor’s office urged members of the public to ignore any reports linking Adeleke to defection plans, emphasizing that such claims lack any basis in reality. The statement called on supporters and party members to remain focused on mobilizing votes for the governor’s re-election campaign under the PDP banner rather than being distracted by what officials termed fake news.
Rasheed portrayed Governor Adeleke as a leader who recognizes and respects the overwhelming confidence that Osun residents have placed in both the PDP and his administration. The statement emphasized that the governor would never act against the will of the people who elected him to office.
The denial comes amid broader political realignments in Nigeria’s opposition landscape, with some prominent politicians switching party affiliations as the country moves closer to future electoral cycles. However, Adeleke’s team sought to distance the governor from any such movements, positioning him as steadfastly loyal to his current party.
The statement also highlighted the governor’s commitment to continuing his administration’s development programs and initiatives aimed at improving the lives of Osun residents. Officials portrayed these governance achievements as the primary reason for the governor’s rising popularity and the subsequent attempts by opponents to undermine his political standing through misinformation campaigns.
