Adeleke not welcome in APC, says Osun chapter

…as PDP affirms confidence ahead of 2026 polls

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo –

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed speculation of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s planned defection to the party, declaring him a political liability with no value to add to the APC ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

In a statement issued by its state chairman, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, the party said Adeleke’s reported defection move was rejected due to concerns over his alleged misgovernance and the potential damage his entry could cause to the party’s reputation.

“While political parties operate on a free-entry, free-exit basis, the APC is not a dumping ground for desperate politicians seeking refuge. Adeleke’s mismanagement of nearly N1 trillion in just 30 months, including the alleged N13 billion spent on luxury vehicles for aides, has left Osun in a precarious state,” Lawal said.

He further accused the governor of using public resources for personal and political gains while pretending to align with President Bola Tinubu in Abuja. “Those pushing for Adeleke’s entry understand it is solely to save his troubled re-election bid,” Lawal stated.

The statement was a response to a communiqué by the Osun Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership caucus, which condemned what it described as deliberate resistance to the governor’s alleged interest in defecting to the APC.

In reaction, the PDP dismissed the APC’s claims, asserting that the ruling party in Osun remains strong and confident of securing victory in the 2026 elections based on its performance.

Osun PDP chairman, Hon. Sunday Bisi, in a statement, said the party would not engage in political distractions from the opposition, maintaining that Adeleke remains the people’s choice.

“We won’t join issues with the opposition. We have no plan to rig the 2026 election. Osun people will vote PDP again and defend their votes,” Bisi said.

He added that Adeleke’s achievements would speak for him at the polls, and predicted that both the PDP and President Tinubu would enjoy strong support in Osun during the upcoming elections.