APC Denies Reports of Governor Adeleke’s Defection Amid Political Turmoil in Osun

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has come out strongly to deny widespread reports suggesting that the incumbent Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party. The rumor, which spread like wildfire across social media and several online forums, including Nairaland, has thrown the political space into a frenzy, with citizens and stakeholders alike scrambling for clarity.

In a swift response released through its national publicity secretary, the APC categorically discredited the report, labeling it as false, misleading, and an attempt to stir unnecessary confusion ahead of ongoing political activities in the state. The party emphasized that there has been no communication, formal or informal, between Governor Adeleke and the national leadership of the APC regarding a potential defection. According to the statement, the governor remains a committed member of the PDP, and no official process has been initiated that would indicate a shift in political allegiance.

The denial comes just hours after viral posts flooded the internet claiming that the popular governor, known for his unorthodox leadership style and viral dance moves, had concluded arrangements to switch parties, allegedly due to unresolved internal tensions within the PDP at both state and national levels. The unverified reports cited anonymous sources claiming that Adeleke had been frustrated by certain factions within the PDP and was looking to realign with a “more stable and influential platform” ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial elections.

However, political analysts are not buying the claims wholesale. Many believe the rumors may be part of a wider propaganda scheme designed to weaken the PDP’s influence in Osun State and to sow seeds of doubt among Adeleke’s loyalists. Others see it as a test balloon—a strategic move to gauge public reaction to such a possible realignment. Regardless of the source or intention, the APC has wasted no time in distancing itself from the narrative.

“We have not received Governor Adeleke into our party, and we do not know where such a claim emanated from,” the APC statement read. “While we are open to welcoming credible and progressive-minded leaders into our fold, we urge the public to be wary of false news designed to destabilize political progress and mislead the masses. The APC remains focused on its mission to bring good governance to all Nigerians, including those in Osun State.”

Governor Adeleke, who assumed office in November 2022 after defeating the incumbent APC governor, Gboyega Oyetola, in a hotly contested election, has not released any personal statement in response to the defection rumors. His aides, however, have also denied the reports, calling them “laughable and politically motivated.” One of the governor’s senior media assistants told reporters in Osogbo that “Governor Adeleke is not in talks with the APC or any other party. He remains committed to the mandate given to him by the people of Osun under the PDP banner.”

Meanwhile, within the PDP, the atmosphere appears relatively calm, despite the whirlwind of speculation. A few party stalwarts in Osun have reportedly expressed concern over the origin and timing of the rumor, especially as preparations for the party’s mid-term strategy meetings are underway. However, they also appear confident that their governor has no reason to jump ship. “Governor Adeleke is fully in charge, and he is carrying out his duties with the support of the PDP leadership. The story is pure fiction,” said a PDP state executive member who spoke on condition of anonymity.

On the streets of Osogbo and other major towns in Osun State, reactions to the rumored defection have been mixed. While some residents were shocked and confused, others dismissed the report as typical political drama. “This is Nigeria,” one resident said, “politicians are always switching parties like football clubs, but in this case, I don’t think Adeleke is moving anywhere. He’s still enjoying his honeymoon with the people.”

The speculated defection also sparked massive debates on social media, with the governor’s supporters launching hashtags like #AdelekeIsPDP and #GovernorWeKnow to show their loyalty and dispel the rumor. Memes and videos of the dancing governor were shared widely, with captions poking fun at the idea of him joining a party he once fiercely opposed. Some commentators questioned the logic behind such a move, considering Adeleke’s recent wins in court and his growing popularity in the state.

Despite the denials, the speculation has added a new layer to the already tense political climate in Osun State. The rivalry between the APC and PDP in the state has been fierce for years, and the 2022 election only deepened the divide. Any perceived crack in the PDP leadership is quickly exploited by the opposition, and this episode is no exception.

Political observers say that whether true or false, the rumor underscores the importance of internal unity within parties, especially as the 2026 election season approaches. If nothing else, the episode has demonstrated how quickly unverified news can spark nationwide debates and disrupt the political narrative.

While the dust is beginning to settle and the APC’s denial appears to have calmed the storm for now, many believe the rumor won’t be the last of such in the months to come. As the political chessboard continues to shift, attention will remain focused on key figures like Governor Adeleke, whose every move is now under even greater scrutiny.

Until the governor himself steps forward with a definitive statement—whether through a media address or public appearance—the story may continue to linger in the background, giving both his supporters and detractors plenty to talk about. For now, however, the message from the APC is clear: Governor Ademola Adeleke has not defected, and any reports claiming otherwise are entirely unfounded.