The Nation Newspaper

Tag: ADELEKE

  • Davido confirms Adeleke’s defection rumour to APC

    Davido confirms Adeleke’s defection rumour to APC

    Nigerian Afrobeat singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has affirmed the speculations on the imminent defection of his uncle and Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    It is on record that there is ongoing mass defection and rapid collapse of the PDP structure in Osun.

    This has brought the Osun governor under the spotlight of possible defection, with the APC hinted as his possible destination.

    Rumours of the governor’s defection plot began with his visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during last month’s Eid al-Adha celebration.

    The visit to the President at his Lagos residence alongside his nephew, Davido, and brother, Deji Adeleke, marked the beginning of the speculations on his alleged defection plot.

    While Adeleke and the APC had over time debunked the speculations, a video snippet of Davido’s upcoming single affirmed the possible defection of the governor.

    As contained in the lyrics of the video snippet, Davido could be heard singing “new broom go sweep better” and “from umbrella to broom,” which were references to the logos of the APC and the PDP.

    The APC is renowned for the iconic broom image on its flag, while the umbrella has been the PDP’s insignia since the inception of the party.

    Read Also: People never forget how you made them feel — Davido

    While the singer did not make direct reference to the political parties, with Adeleke’s name also not mentioned, his reference to the APC and PDP logos was a clear indication of further proof of the Osun state governor’s impending defection to the APC.

    However, some chieftains of the APC in Ọsun are uncomfortable with how the governor is going with his plan.

    Former national secretary of the party, Senator Iyiola Omisore, who commented on the issue on national television Tuesday night, said the governor couldn’t have defected to the APC through social media.

    “All politics is local. I have never seen a governor trying to bulldoze his way into another party.

    Omisore, who was also a former deputy governor of Osun, added that neither the party leadership nor the elders’ caucus was aware of the governor’s plans.

  • LG crisis: Adeleke wept for 15 minutes in our meeting — Osun commissioner

    LG crisis: Adeleke wept for 15 minutes in our meeting — Osun commissioner

    Amid the deepening crisis surrounding control of local governments in Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke reportedly broke down in tears during a cabinet meeting held last weekend.

    According to Hon. Dipo Eluwole, the state’s Commissioner for Education, the governor wept uncontrollably for about fifteen minutes and was unable to begin the meeting until he was consoled.

    Eluwole made this revelation while speaking at a Digital Literacy Training for teachers in Ede, Osun State.

    The Nation recalls that tension erupted after the Appeal Court reinstated sacked All Progressives Congress (APC) council executives, a decision the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) strongly opposed.

    The fallout has led to the federal government withholding local government allocations since February 2025, creating financial strain across the state.

    READ ALSO; UPDATED: Why I resigned from PDP, by Atiku

    Eluwole lamented the disruption the crisis has caused, noting that Osun State previously enjoyed peace and development before the recent political turmoil. “There was peace before, but with what is going on now—the wrangling—I didn’t sleep until 2AM. I left the Government House at 11PM and kept making calls till morning. There is a serious problem at hand,” he said.

    The commissioner urged citizens to pray for Governor Adeleke, stating, “God will guide his feet from stumbling; he will not lead us astray.” He also recounted how a traditional ruler recently shed tears over the deteriorating state of affairs.

    “On Saturday, Mr Governor wept for 15minutes before he could start a meeting, 15 minutes! They were pacifying him, where is Nigeria going? It is not a sin to be a Nigerian.

    “We know what has been happening before about three years ago in the education sector, you can see what is going on now, Osun state education is to be reckoned with today, we are making Nigeria proud unlike before where it was vandalism, hooliganism, raping, cultism…all are the things of the past in our schools.”

    He continued, “Are you talking of infrastructure, If not for what is happening since February till now we would have seen many provisions in the school now, it is in the pipeline.

    “The money we are supposed to be using for these things is what we are using to pay primary school teachers, local government workers, health workers and 5% to traditional rulers, everybody is taking their money as at when due. That is why we don’t have more teachers in schools, let us pray for Osun State and our governor, he meant good for the state.”

  • Adeleke knocks Aregbesola over 2026 governorship threat

    Adeleke knocks Aregbesola over 2026 governorship threat

    • Governor scores ex-minister low
    • ’Half salary syndrome, Opon Imo scam still fresh in memory’

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has berated the National Secretary of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, over his comment to unseat him in 2026 governorship election fixed for August 8.

    The Nation reports that Aregbesola, who is an ex-governor of Osun State and former Interior Minister, during his homecoming on Sunday, faulted Adeleke’s style of governance and vowed that ADC would unseat him in 2026.

    Adeleke, reacting to comments of the ADC national secretary, described Aregbesola’s administration as

    the worst in Osun history, which was characterised by half salary, uncompleted projects, education tablets (Opon Imo) scam, among others.

    Read Also: We cannot defeat Tinubu in 2027 divided, says Edo PDP

    The governor, in a statement through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, noted that ‘’Osun State residents are still suffering from the inhumane maladministration he inflicted on the state while in office.’’

    According to him, “a man who left a legacy of huge state debt, half salary, scam learning tablets (Opon Imo) and several fanciful, inflated, uncompleted projects.

    “The empty boast of Mr Aregbesola about 2026 is a symptom of a troubled mind, who sees wrong vision, who is battling his benefactor and who is haunted by the pains and suffering he inflicted on millions of Osun people through his evil policies and programmes. A man who should be remorseful and tender public apologies for his years of maladministration has the audacity to threaten Governor Adeleke, who is clearing the mess he left behind after his eight years of anti-people, thoughtless leadership.

    “Mr Aregbesola’s wickedness against workers, public servants and Osun people knows no bounds while he wielded state power. A man who introduced half salary, misapplied contributory state pension fund and misused state cooperative deductions fund should be ashamed of his temerity to attack a governor who is now paying up the half salary affliction, clearing the unjustified debt and rehabilitating brutalised Osun workers.”

    He said: “The Adeleke administration has paid 28 months out of the half salary left behind by Mr Aregbesola. The current administration has paid close to N60billion in pension debt, a legacy of this same Aregbesola. ‘’Pensioners and workers generally are not praying for a return to the evil days of a bad administrator, who left his state in ruin after eight years.”

    Rasheed continued: “Within less than three years, Governor Adeleke has surpassed government delivery of the eight years of Mr Aregbesola without borrowing a kobo for infrastructure projects. The current administration has reduced Osun debt left by Mr Aregbesola by 40 per cent as confirmed by the Debt Management Office.

    “Mr Aregbesola is invited to note that Governor Adeleke has constructed about 200 Kilometres of roads, rehabilitated over 200 schools and health centres, placed over 30, 000 pensioners on free health insurance care, provided critical medical surgeries to over 60,000 Osun residents, completed several abandoned projects at Osun State University, made University of Ilesa a reality, among several others.

    “If Mr Aregbesola is to accuse Governor Adeleke of non-performance, we await his review of the dualisation of palace to brewery junction at Ilesa, which he failed to achieve while in office. He should check out the flyover projects at Ile Ife and Osogbo and the dualisation projects ongoing at Iwo, among others.

    “Osun people know their present and past governors. Our people are smart enough to know that the worst era for Osun State is that of Mr Aregbesola under whom many pensioners lost their lives, thousands of lives were disrupted, and the state plunged into unsustainable debt that is still hurting the state to date. No voter in Osun is ready for a return to the dark days.

    “We, therefore, dismiss Mr Aregbesola’s boast as a blurry vision of another world other than Osun where Governor Adeleke has received accolades and awards for delivering on good governance and where Osun people have appreciated the local content policy, the non-borrowing policy, and the people’s first style of the current governor.

    “Mr Aregbesola is a shrew (Asin ti o mo pe oun un n run) who does not know that he is smelling. 2026 is a payback time when Osun people will punish the former governor and his new party for wilfully inflicting pains and suffering on Osun people throughout his eight years rule.”

  • Adeleke slams Aregbesola Over 2026 guber threat, labels his tenure worst in Osun history

    Adeleke slams Aregbesola Over 2026 guber threat, labels his tenure worst in Osun history

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has fired back at the National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and former governor of the state, Rauf Aregbesola, over his vow to unseat him in the 2026 governorship election scheduled for August 8.

    Aregbesola, during a homecoming event on Sunday, had criticised Adeleke’s leadership style and declared that the ADC would reclaim power in the next election.

    Reacting in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke described Aregbesola’s administration as the worst in Osun’s history, citing policies such as half salary payments, uncompleted projects, and the failed education tablet initiative (Opon Imo).

    “A man who left a legacy of huge state debt, half salary, scam learning tablets, and several inflated, uncompleted projects should be ashamed, not boastful,” Adeleke said.

    He accused Aregbesola of inflicting “inhumane maladministration” on Osun residents and condemned his recent comments as “the empty boast of a troubled mind haunted by his failures.”

    Adeleke added that his government has made significant progress in repairing the damage left behind, including the payment of 28 months of outstanding half salaries and nearly ₦60 billion in pension debts, both inherited from Aregbesola’s tenure.

    “Workers, pensioners, and the general public are not praying for a return to the evil days of a bad administrator,” he stated.

    The governor also highlighted that under his leadership, Osun State has reduced the debt burden left by Aregbesola by 40 percent, according to the Debt Management Office, without borrowing for infrastructure projects.

    “Within less than three years, Governor Adeleke has surpassed the eight-year record of Mr Aregbesola without borrowing a kobo,” the statement concluded.

    “Mr Aregbesola is invited to note that Governor Adeleke has constructed about 200 Kilometers of roads, rehabilitated over 200 schools and health centers, placed over 30, 000 pensioners on free health insurance care, provided critical medical surgeries to over 60,000 Osun residents, Completed several abandoned projects at Osun State University, made University of Ilesa a reality among several others.

    “If Mr Aregbesola is to accuse Governor Adeleke of non-performance, we await his review of the dualisation of the palace to brewery junction at Ilesa, which he failed to achieve while in office. He should check out the flyover projects at Ile Ife and Osogbo, and the dualisation projects ongoing at Iwo, among others.

    Read Also: Buhari was an embodiment of integrity — Adeleke

    “Osun people know their present and past governors. Our people are smart enough to know that the worst era for Osun state is that of Mr Aregbesola, under whom many pensioners lost their lives, thousands of lives were disrupted, and the state plunged into unsustainable debt that is still hurting the state to date. No voter in Osun is ready for a return to the dark days.

    “We therefore dismiss Mr Aregbesola’s boast as a blurry vision of another world other than Osun, where Governor Adeleke has received accolades and awards for delivering on good governance and where Osun people have appreciated the local content policy, the non-borrowing policy, and the people’s first style of the current governor.

    “Mr Aregbesola is a shrew (Asin ti o mo pe ohun unrun) who does not know that he is smelling. 2026 is a payback time when Osun people will punish the former Governor and his new party for wilfully inflicting pains and suffering on Osun people throughout his eight years’ rule”, the statement concluded.

  • Buhari was an embodiment of integrity — Adeleke

    Buhari was an embodiment of integrity — Adeleke

    The Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, has expressed his deep pain over the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing the late Nigerian leader as an embodiment of integrity who contributed immensely to national development.

    Adeleke, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, in a statement on Sunday, extended his heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu on this devastating loss, saying that Nigeria has lost a distinguished leader who gave his all for the country’s progress.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Tinubu announces Buhari’s death, sends Shettima to escort body to Nigeria

    He also commiserated with former First Lady, Mrs Aishat Buhari, surviving children and immediate family who lost more than just a father and confidant, but an embodiment of integrity who brought so much difference to governance in Nigeria.

    He also extends his sympathy to his counterpart in Katsina state, His Excellency Dikko Umar Radda, the Emir of Daura and the people of Katsina state, who lost a remarkable leader.

    “It is with a heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of former President Muhammadu Buhari in London, the United Kingdom. His contributions to national development will remain evergreen in the minds of all Nigerians,” Governor Adeleke was quoted to have said in a condolence message.

    “Throughout his lifetime, President Buhari was a watchword for integrity, inspiring honesty and selfless service in public service. Nigeria has lost one of its finest, and I join in mourning a leader whose contributions to nation building are unquantifiable.”

  • APC denies Adeleke’s defection to party, urges public to disregard rumours

    APC denies Adeleke’s defection to party, urges public to disregard rumours

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Sunday debunked claims that Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the opposition party.

    The rumour, which gained traction on Saturday, intensified following a statement from Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, suggesting that PDP leaders had unanimously agreed to follow the governor to any party of his choice.

    However, APC, through its Director of Media and Information in Osun State, Chief Kola Olabisi, dismissed the defection narrative, urging party members and the general public to disregard the speculation linking Governor Adeleke to the APC.

    According to him, “We want to state categorically and unequivocally that it is a lie from the pit of hell being told by the governor and his lieutenants that the state helmsman has defected into our party as nothing of such is happening or being contemplated at all the levels of our party.

    “At no time was there any pressure from the presidency that Governor Adeleke should defect into our party as it has been the rumour by the governor’s lieutenants and his co-travellers.”

    Read Also: Presidency applauds DBI leadership for advancing digital skills, youth empowerment

    He stressed that, It is not true that Adeleke has joined the Osun State chapter of the APC as there are constitutional hurdles that are needed to be crossed for such endeavour to be accomplished.

    “We can observe that some of the lieutenants and foot soldiers of Ademola have become ecstatic beyond imagination because of the imaginary defection of their principal which at this moment still remains within the realm of speculation.

    “It is an impossible utopia for a governor to defect into our party without the knowledge of its National Chairman, Mr Ali Dalori, Chief Bisi Akande, State Leader, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, state chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, the Agba Osun and others.”

    “The nauseating development is the constant lies being reeled out by the governor’s lieutenants and social media emergency writers that it was the forward-looking, hardworking and proactive President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who has been making overtures to Governor Adeleke which is nothing but a mere concoction to portray and create resemblance of importance to the governor.”

  • Defection: I’m still consulting, Osun PDP ready to follow me – Adeleke

    Defection: I’m still consulting, Osun PDP ready to follow me – Adeleke

    • Gov meets party chiefs, cabinet, federal and state legislators, others

    • Eno formally takes over APC structure in Akwa Ibom

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke is on his way out of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and this is official.

    Adeleke confirmed yesterday that he was already consulting on his planned dumping of the party.

    He did not say where he might be pitching his tent next. However, his music star nephew, Davido, appears to have provided the clue in his latest song: From Umbrella to Broom.

    Umbrella is PDP’s symbol while broom is that of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

    “New broom go sweep better…”, sings Davido in his latest release.

    The governor’s spokesman, Olawale Rasheed, said in a statement in Osogbo that Adeleke met on his defection plan with the PDP leadership caucus which comprises the deputy governor, cabinet members, special advisers, federal and state lawmakers, among others, at the Government House, yesterday.

    According to Rasheed, the PDP caucus passed a vote of confidence in Adeleke during the meeting and vowed to follow him to whichever party he desired to move to.

     “Osun PDP leadership caucus passed a vote of confidence in Governor Ademola Adeleke, unanimously supporting any decision the Governor takes on the growing rumour of defection to another political party,” he said.

    Continuing, the spokesman said: “The leaders, who praised the governor’s leadership and performance in office, mandated him to continue consultations with all stakeholders locally and nationally.

    “The caucus meeting had in attendance representatives of all sections of the party and government, namely the National Assembly caucus, the State Assembly caucus, the State Executive Council, the State Executive of the party, the Special Advisers’ Forum, the elders caucus and the state chapter of ALGON leadership.

    “After briefing from Governor Ademola Adeleke and exhaustive deliberations by leaders, the meeting issued a communique to signal its direction on the issue at the moment.

    READ ALSO; Top 10 busiest airports in the world by passenger traffic

    “In the communique, the PDP state leadership resolved to follow Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke wherever he goes. The meeting however recognised that the Governor is still consulting on next lines of action.

    “The meeting was attended by Governor Ademola Adeleke; deputy governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Senate Deputy Minority leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi; Hon Bamidele Sallam; Hon Clement Olohunwa; Hon. Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro; High Chief (Mrs) Modupeole Adeleke; South West Vice Chairman of the PDP, Engr Kamoruden Ajisafe and Osun State Chairman of the PDP, Hon Sunday Bisi.

    “Also at the meeting were House Speaker, Rt Hon Adewale Egbedun; Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Ireyode Oyewusi; Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinleye; former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Senator Oluwole Alabi, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo and Alhaji Fatai Akinbade.

    “There were also Rt Hon Lasun Yusuf; Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa; Rev Bunmi Jenyo; the state chairman of ALGON, Hon Sarafadeen Awotunde; the Special Adviser Politics to the state governor, Hon Muniru Raji; SUBEB Chairman, Hon Ibukun Fadipe; and the state secretary of the party, Hon. Bola Ajao.”

    The governor had repeatedly denied that he planned to dump the PDP.

    Rumour of his planned defection gained traction after the governor, his elder brother and Davido’s father, Adedeji, paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at his Lagos residence during the last Eid el Kabir holiday.

    Davido was part of the visit.

    Adeleke was absent at last Friday’s meeting of the South West PDP Caucus held in Ibadan.

    He was represented by his deputy Kola Adewusi.

    The refusal of former vice president Atiku Abubakar to visit the governor in Osogbo when he went to attend the installation of Oba Adesuyi Haastrup as the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland in May had also kept political observers wondering about political developments in the state.

    Atiku chose to visit and dine with former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, instead.

    Aregbesola is now the interim National Secretary of Africa Democratic Congress (ADC) of which Atiku is a chief promoter.

    If Adeleke eventually joins the APC, he will be the third PDP governor to switch allegiance to the ruling party, taking after Delta’s Sheriff Oborevwori and Akwa Ibom’s Umo Eno.

    Oborevwori, his immediate predecessor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, his commissioners, special advisers and other PDP stakeholders in the state joined the APC in April.

    Eno and other PDP stakeholders in Akwa Ibom followed suit in June.

    Breaking the news of the Delta defection in April, the pioneer chairman of the PDP in the state, Senator James Manager, had said “you cannot be in a boat that is already capsizing, because I am a riverine man.

    “Looking at issues the way they are, we have come to the inevitable conclusion to do something else. It is a collective decision for so many reasons.

    “Few days ago, there was a resolution taken by the PDP Governor’s forum at Ibadan. Almost all the governor’s were there and they resolved that they are not going into coalition with any other party.

    “But as disadvantaged as the PDP is now with about 11 governors, how do you go into a contest with an incumbent president? You think you can win?

    “That particular resolution killed the spirit of so many PDP members.

    “We lost election in 2015 as a result of a merger which even included splinter groups from the PDP.

    “There are also other reasons.

    “Today, Senator Anyanwu is the National Secretary of the party; tomorrow it is another person. The party must be positioned to go into an election to win.

    “So you see that it is becoming very funny. The PDP is truly in trouble.”

    On his part, Governor Eno of Akwa Ibom State said his defection was in response to the evolving political climate.

    “We must be able to interpret the times, flow with them, and not swim against the tide.

    “Having completed my consultations, I have now decided to align myself with the All Progressives Congress,” he said.

    Akpabio hands over APC leadership in A’Ibom to Eno

    Governor Eno formally took over the APC structure in the state at the first meeting of party stakeholders in Uyo on Friday.

    The party structure was handed over to him by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

    Eno urged the party’s leadership at all levels to accept the movement and merger with open arms.

    “This is a merger, and as the Senate President has said, we must, therefore, approach it with love, unity and understanding.

    “There has to be some sacrifices from both ends,” he said.

    “Let the leadership and members bring down the rhetoric so that we all can come together in droves and build a truly united All Progressives Congress in our state. 

    “We have heard stories where some ward leaders have brought out lists of requirements for people that want to join the party, as if it is a marriage ceremony.

    “Honestly, that should not be. We should be happy that Akwa Ibom is getting united, and we are all better for it,” he said.

    Pastor Eno assured the stakeholders, especially Senator Godswill Akpabio, of his readiness to work together with the party’s hierarchy and support the ideology and interest of the party for the overall good of the people of the state.

    “I just want to tell our people and the party that I am here to work with you. I am here to contribute to the growth of the party.

    “We will work with you and give you that honour that you so rightly deserve.”

    Akpabio, who described Eno as a great unifier, a man of foresight and vision, said the governor’s leadership has brought peace and unity to Akwa Ibom and repositioned it for future growth.

    The Senate President described Eno’s movement into APC as a merger and not an acquisition, and urged all members to join hands to work for the progress and overall interest of the state.

  • I’m still consulting on defection plan, PDP ready to follow me—Adeleke

    I’m still consulting on defection plan, PDP ready to follow me—Adeleke

    Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke has confirmed he is planning to dump the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) for another party ahead of the 2026 governorship election. 

    The Nation recalled that Adeleke had been rumoured to planning to dump PDP for All Progressives Congress(APC). 

    Adeleke, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed on Saturday in a statement confirmed that the Governor is still consulting over his political move into another party. 

    Rasheed disclosed that Adeleke held meeting with PDP leadership caucus which consisted of his Deputy, cabinet members, Special Advisers, Federal and State lawmakers among others at the Government House, Banquet hall, on Saturday. 

    He confirmed the leadership of PDP passed vote of confidence in Adeleke and vowed to follow him wherever party he desired to move to. 

    According to him, “Osun PDP leadership caucus passed a vote of confidence on Governor Ademola Adeleke, unanimously supporting any decision the Governor takes on the growing rumour of defection to another political party.

    Read Also: Adeleke, Osun PDP reject Atiku’s coalition, insist party remains strong

    “The leaders who praised the Governor’s leadership and performance in office mandated him to continue consultations with all stakeholders locally and nationally.

    “The caucus meeting has in attendance representatives of all sections of the party and government namely the National Assembly caucus, the State Assembly caucus, the State Executive Council, the State Executive of the party, the Special Advisers’ Forum, the elders caucus and the state chapter of ALGON leadership.

    “After briefing from Governor Ademola Adeleke and exhaustive deliberations by leaders, the meeting issued a communique to signal its direction on the issue at the moment.

    “In the communique, the PDP state leadership resolved to follow Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke wherever he goes. The meeting however recognized that the Governor is still consulting on next lines of action.

    “The meeting was attended by Governor Ademola Adeleke; deputy governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Senate Deputy Minority leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi; Hon Bamidele Sallam; Hon Clement Olohunwa; Hon Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro; High Chief (Mrs) Modupeole Adeleke; South West Vice Chairman of the PDP, Engr Kamoruden Ajisafe;Osun state chairman of the PDP, Hon Sunday Bisi. 

    “Also at the meeting were, “House Speaker, Rt Hon Adewale Egbedun; Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Ireyode Oyewusi; Secretary to the state Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinleye; former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Senator Oluwole Alabi, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, Rt Hon Lasun Yusuf; Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa; Rev Bunmi Jenyo; the state chairman of ALGON, Hon Sarafadeen Awotunde; the Special Adviser Politics to the state governor, Hon Muniru Raji; SUBEB Chairman, Hon Ibukun Fadipe; and the state secretary of the party, Hon. Bola Ajao.”

  • Osun youth group urges Tinubu, APC to reject Adeleke’s defection bid

    Osun youth group urges Tinubu, APC to reject Adeleke’s defection bid

    A youth group, Osun Progressive Youth (O-SPY), on Thursday called on President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reject any defection move by Governor Ademola Adeleke into the party, dismissing claims that he enjoys massive support in Osun State ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

    The group argued that the APC’s support base in the state has grown stronger since Adeleke assumed office in 2022 due to what they described as his unimpressive governance style, which has weakened the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    In a statement issued by its coordinator, Tunmise Ajiboye, and made available to newsmen, the group recalled that the PDP has continued to lose key members, including former aides and loyalists of ex-Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, to the APC since 2022.

    “Following insinuations that Adeleke is attempting to join APC, we want to state it clearly that Osun people are ready to reject both Adeleke and PDP in 2026. APC has never lost any of its members to PDP, rather, more members of ruling party, PDP joined our party since 2022. 

    “Ex-National Deputy Chairman of PDP, Chief Shuiab Oyedokun, Prince Dotun Babayemi(Strong PDP from Osun West), ex-SSG to Oyinlola, Kazeem Adio, ex-Chief of Staff of Oyinlola, Peter Babalola, PDP Rep aspirant, Kayode Oduooye and many more dumped Adeleke for APC. 

    Read Also: NNL Super 8: Osun United Chairman keen on  NPFL return

    “The claim that Adeleke dynasty dictate what happen in Osun political structure is a lie. We want to bring the attention of President Tinubu to the fact that Osun is for APC and he should not be deceived by Adeleke’s acclaimed support base as a negotiation bait into APC.”

    He added: “We learnt that some people had been lying about the political power of the Adeleke family in Ede and Osun State at large, but this is a lie, Chief Bisi Akande defeated Adeleke’s elder brother, Isiaka with wide margin in 1999. He lost Senate seat to Fajimi. 

    “Subsequently, he lost party guber primary to Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola in 2002 after he was compensated with a Senate ticket in 2007. In 2011, as a sitting senator, the late Isiaka Adeleke contested against Senator Mudasiru Hussein, but was defeated by a wide margin.

    “In 2014, Senator Otunba Iyiola Omisore defeated the late Isiaka Adeleke in the PDP primary, prompting his defection to the APC, where Aregbesola compensated him with a Senate ticket, there more history.”

    The group expressed fear that if Adeleke defects to APC and given guber ticket, he may lose to any candidate the ADC presents—because the PDP is already dead.

  • Adeleke, Osun PDP reject Atiku’s coalition, insist party remains strong

    Adeleke, Osun PDP reject Atiku’s coalition, insist party remains strong

    Governor Ademola Adeleke and the Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have dismissed reports suggesting that the governor and his supporters are considering leaving the party or supporting any coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    The rejection follows former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent move to align with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is being positioned as a coalition platform for opposition parties.

    Speaking with The Nation on Wednesday, Osun PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi, affirmed that Governor Adeleke remains committed to the PDP and has no intention of defecting.

    Read Also: Osun APM chair slams Adeleke over state’s poor VAT ranking

    “We (Adeleke and his supporters) remain with PDP. We are in PDP, we are not going anywhere. I can assure you, we are not going anywhere,” Bisi stated.

    Addressing Atiku’s claim that the PDP is too weak to win future elections, Bisi said, “I wouldn’t know; let us wait and see. I wouldn’t agree with him. This will not be the first time Atiku will leave the PDP—and PDP still won in his absence.”

    Bisi acknowledged that coalitions are not unusual in a democracy, recalling that the All Progressives Congress (APC) itself was born from a coalition. However, he maintained that the Osun PDP remains steadfast and focused under Adeleke’s leadership.