Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has angrily rejected recent reports claiming that he was considering joining the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), describing the rumor as “fake news” and an attempt to destabilize the political atmosphere in the state.
The report, which suggested that the governor was making moves to defect to the APC, was swiftly dismissed in a statement issued by his media aide, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, on Monday. According to Rasheed, the claim was nothing more than “a pit of hell” and part of a deliberate attempt to spread falsehoods ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial elections in Osun State.
“The report is pure fabrication,” Rasheed said, emphasizing that it reflected the APC’s fear of losing the 2026 election. He pointed out that the opposition was struggling to find a credible candidate to challenge Adeleke, adding that the APC’s apparent panic was evident in the rise of unfounded rumors.
“The APC is facing a deep crisis of unelectability,” Rasheed continued. “The opposition party is confused and unable to field a strong contender. Former Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s loss of influence within the party has resulted in a leadership vacuum, and now they are resorting to fake reports in a desperate bid to salvage their credibility.”
The media aide further claimed that the APC’s attempts to field candidates like Senator Ajibola Bashiru or Oyebamiji from Ikire were futile, arguing that their political prospects were “featherweight” compared to Adeleke’s solid popularity. Rasheed pointed to endorsements of Adeleke’s re-election bid by local traditional rulers in the state as a testament to his widespread support.
The Osun State governor, who has garnered a reputation for his high approval ratings, dismissed the possibility of defecting from his party. “I have never at any time hosted any meeting about defection, either within or outside the country,” Adeleke’s aide said. “The governor is focused on delivering good governance, and he remains committed to serving the people of Osun State.”
As of recent polling data, Adeleke boasts an approval rating of over 85%, a factor that Rasheed argued was causing significant turmoil within the APC. “The report about a defection is an indirect acknowledgment of the APC’s disarray,” he added. “The opposition is preparing for the eventuality of Governor Adeleke winning a second term in 2026.”
Adeleke’s response comes after rumors swirled that he might be considering joining the APC to strengthen his political position ahead of the 2026 election. These rumors had been fueled by the ongoing challenges facing the APC in the state, including internal divisions and the erosion of support under the leadership of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
While these rumors continue to spread, Governor Adeleke has remained focused on his governance agenda, prioritizing development and collaboration with the federal government. Rasheed highlighted the governor’s commitment to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, stating that Adeleke believes the success of Tinubu’s policies would benefit the Yoruba people and all Nigerians.
“Governor Adeleke is a patriotic Nigerian who supports President Tinubu’s efforts to reform the national economy,” Rasheed explained. “But this support does not mean that he plans to defect to the APC. His loyalty lies with the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and he has no intention of leaving the party.”
Rasheed further pointed out that the continuous circulation of “fake news” about Adeleke’s political ambitions was a clear indication of the APC’s struggle to present a viable alternative. The narrative of defection, he argued, was part of a broader strategy to undermine Adeleke’s credibility and sow discord within his political camp.
“Governor Adeleke’s track record of governance has solidified his position as an unbeatable force in Osun State,” Rasheed said. “The APC’s obsession with falsehoods and fabricated reports will only make their crisis worse as the 2026 election approaches.”
The statement ended with a direct challenge to the opposition party: “It is not wrong for the APC to consider not fielding a candidate in the upcoming election. Given the current state of the party, it seems futile for them to continue pretending they can beat Governor Adeleke.”
Governor Adeleke’s response is expected to put an end to the rumors, at least for now, but it also highlights the growing tension within the state’s political landscape as the 2026 election looms large. For the APC, the challenge is not just about addressing these rumors, but about overcoming the deep-rooted divisions that continue to plague their leadership and electoral strategy.
As Osun State prepares for the next gubernatorial election, the focus will likely shift to the governor’s performance in office, his continued popularity, and his ability to navigate the complex political terrain ahead. With the opposition seemingly in disarray, many will be watching closely to see how the APC responds in the coming months.
Governor Ademola Adeleke assumed office in Osun State in 2022 after defeating the then-incumbent Governor Gboyega Oyetola of the APC. His tenure has been marked by a focus on education, infrastructure development, and social welfare programs, earning him considerable support among the state’s populace. Despite the challenges faced by the PDP at the national level, Adeleke remains one of the most popular governors in the southwest region.
