Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke finds himself at the center of swirling speculation after rumors that he may leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and join the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial race. While Adeleke has publicly reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, leaders from both parties have launched into a fierce exchange over the possible move, further rattling political alliances in the state.
The debate intensified when Osun APC officials claimed Adeleke had attempted to defect but was rebuffed due to conditions imposed by the national APC leadership—including the requirement to queue for a ticket rather than receive an automatic nomination. In response, Adeleke and his aides vehemently denied ever seeking to join APC, rejecting the allegations as politically motivated and dismissing them as part of a destabilization tactic by the opposition. His spokesperson emphasized that at no time did the governor consider leaving PDP, noting his successful record in office has eliminated any personal need to switch allegiances.
Tensions escalated further when APC insiders declared they would not welcome Adeleke into their fold. One source stated bluntly: “He’s not coming and we won’t accept him as a party. What is he coming to do?” The hostility reflects fractures within APC’s state chapter, with former Governor Gboyega Oyetola and other key actors resisting Adeleke’s entry.
Meanwhile, PDP officials held a leadership caucus meeting where Adeleke’s position was affirmed in writing. Party stakeholders expressed unanimous support for any decision he chooses to make, signaling they would follow him even beyond party lines if necessary. At the same time, they cautioned party members to ignore online speculation, framing it as contrived disinformation.
Political observers denounced the ongoing saga as “jumpology”—a pejorative term for the trend of opportunistic party switching in Nigeria. Analysts argue that defections undermine party identity and grassroots loyalty and warned that Adeleke’s move would further entrench transactional party politics. Some questioned why he wouldn’t join a smaller party like SDP or LP if he sought a shift that better matched his own popularity.
As July 2025 unfolds, the defection narrative has evolved into a bigger story about the integrity and stability of party systems in Nigeria. If Adeleke remains in PDP, the opposition could use his retention to position themselves as principled. But should he defect, the move could arm APC within Osun State—while potentially alienating PDP loyalists and reshaping alliances ahead of the next elections.
Credit: Punch news
