Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has officially addressed the widespread speculation surrounding his political future, particularly claims that he intends to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or align with influential members of the party ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election in the state.
In a detailed statement issued on Friday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke categorically denied the claims, labelling them as false, misleading, and entirely baseless. The governor reiterated his firm loyalty and allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under whose platform he emerged victorious in the last election.
“Our attention has been drawn to news reports and media enquiries about the imminent defection of Governor Adeleke to the ADC or alignment with ADC big wigs ahead of the 2026 governorship race. There is no truth in those publications and speculations,” the statement clarified.
Olawale Rasheed went on to dismiss the idea of any form of political collaboration, noting that Governor Adeleke is fully grounded within the PDP and has no current or future plans to work with the ADC, either formally or informally. He firmly stated that Adeleke would contest the 2026 governorship election under the PDP banner, which he believes remains strong and united in the state.
“First of all, we, the PDP Osun, have already adopted and endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, so there is no alliance with ADC,” Rasheed explained.
“Secondly, Governor Adeleke has no alliance with anyone in ADC. He remains in PDP, will run in PDP, and needs no alliance with ADC to win with a wide margin in 2026. There’s no confusion about that,” he added.
He also used the opportunity to highlight the governor’s increasing popularity and widespread approval across Osun State, crediting it to the governor’s track record of effective governance, progressive leadership, and infrastructural development since assuming office.
“The Osun electorate supports Governor Adeleke because of his impressive performance since he came to office. That good work is still ongoing, and Osun people are committed to sustaining the delivery of good governance by re-electing Governor Adeleke in 2026,” Rasheed said.
He urged all members and supporters of the PDP across the state to stay committed and focused, encouraging them to continue strengthening the party’s grassroots structures and prepare actively for a successful re-election campaign in the coming year.