The political atmosphere in Osun State is heating up following the defection of two Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators to the All Progressives Congress (APC), raising strong speculation about a possible defection by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Senators Francis Fadahunsi (Osun East) and Olubiyi Fadeyi (Osun Central) officially dumped the PDP in separate letters dated June 21, citing irreconcilable differences within the party as the primary reason for their exit.
Their defection has sent ripples across the state’s political landscape, sparking concern among supporters of both the ruling PDP and opposition APC. The development has particularly intensified rumours of Governor Adeleke’s planned defection to the APC — a move that has divided opinions and unsettled the political structure in Osun.
Sources say the uncertainty has slowed governance, with key government activities stalling in recent weeks.
Tensions have also surfaced within the APC as some members and governorship aspirants express resistance to the governor’s possible entry into the party, fearing it could disrupt their ambitions ahead of the next election cycle.
Former Deputy Governor and APC chieftain, Senator Iyiola Omisore, publicly criticised Adeleke’s alleged attempt to join the APC “through the back door,” urging the governor to engage party leadership at the state level before making any move.
“The governor should talk to party leaders in the state rather than going to some of his governor colleagues to smuggle him into the APC. If the state chairman and national chairman are not aware, how are we sure he wants to genuinely join us?” Omisore queried.
However, some party stakeholders have welcomed the possibility of Adeleke’s defection. Oladele Oyelude, coordinator of the Tinubu-Shettima Ambassadors, described the governor as a political asset.
“Governor Adeleke is still very popular among the people. If he joins the APC, it will be a big boost for President Tinubu’s re-election campaign in 2027. We should let him in and negotiate other interests later,” he said.
Meanwhile, the situation has sparked a fierce social media war between supporters of both parties. While PDP loyalists mock the APC by suggesting Adeleke is coming to “take over,” APC supporters have dismissed the governor’s alleged defection bid as futile.
As tensions build, Osun’s political future now hinges on Adeleke’s next move — one that could reshape alliances and power dynamics in the state ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
