As political uncertainty deepens in Osun State amid rumours of Governor Ademola Adeleke's defection, sources have disclosed that the governor has been in talks with top figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a bid to facilitate his move. The recent defections of two PDP senators from Osun State to the APC have further fuelled speculations about Governor Adeleke's intentions. According to insiders, the senators' switch is seen as a precursor to the governor's potential move. However, it appears the talks have encountered significant resistance. Some influential APC leaders involved in the negotiations are reportedly facing a stalemate, as the Osun APC faction is firmly opposed to welcoming the governor into their ranks.
An APC stalwart, Mr. Remi Omowaiye, told Vanguard that although Adeleke has the constitutional right to join any party, he should have approached the matter more formally rather than allowing speculation to thrive online.
"For me, the governor's rumoured defection remains within the space of social media. If the governor wants to join the APC, there are proper channels he should follow. He would speak with the leadership of the party in the state; as of today, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, remains the party leader. I am not aware of any discussion or that the governor has reached out to him."
"You can't join the party through the back door, or some governors in other states."
"Also, our concern is that the governor has a lot of baggage with him. He has not done well. He sacked teachers without replacing them, he sacked health workers without replacement, and he is building sub-standard roads and bridges. We have asked for the designs of the bridges, but till now, they have not been able to present them to us. What do we tell the people when he brings his baggage?"
"I can also assure you that the party is stronger now than before."
On the other hand, a senior member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who requested anonymity, revealed to Vanguard that negotiations from Adeleke’s side are making headway.
The PDP insider expressed frustration with the lack of enthusiasm from the Osun APC faction, especially those aligned with Minister Oyetola.
“The governor is playing his part to progress with the talk. I can tell you for free that the governor’s camp is talking well with the Abuja APC camp, and the talk is ongoing; it is just surprising that the minister’s team is dragging its feet on the matter."
“What is certain is that the governor is discussing and wants to ensure that he gets the party ticket automatically. He is very popular with the people in the state, and he is willing to ensure President Bola Tinubu gets re-elected in 2027,” the source said.
In a related development, a source close to the APC national secretariat in Abuja stated that negotiations have also stalled at the federal level, prompting a suggestion that Adeleke return for further consultations.
“The defection of Senators Francis Fadahunsi and Olubiyi Fadeyi has nothing to do with the Governor Ademola Adeleke team. The two senators went to negotiate their fate separately since Adeleke’s camp did not inform them of their intention to join the party. So, the Senators’ movement is not in any way an advance team for the governor."
“Presently, it is only the President and Oyetola who can give specific direction for the negotiation. From the look of things, the governor may remain in the PDP for the 2026 governorship election except the national leadership of the APC intervenes in the matter,” said the source.
