Osun APC Denies Adeleke’s Defection Rumours, Says No Pressure from Presidency

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has firmly dismissed claims that Governor Ademola Adeleke is set to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling party, describing the reports as unfounded and politically motivated.

In a statement released on Sunday and signed by the party’s spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, the Osun APC accused the Adeleke administration of spreading false narratives to stir public confusion.

“We wish to state clearly and without ambiguity that the rumours of Governor Adeleke joining our party are completely false,” the statement read. “Neither at the state nor national level has such a move been discussed or considered.”

The party further denied allegations that the Presidency was exerting pressure on the governor to switch allegiance, calling such claims baseless speculation.

“There has been no pressure from President Bola Tinubu or any federal authority on Governor Adeleke to defect,” the statement added. “Our party remains solid, united, and focused.”

The APC also pointed out that any genuine defection would require the involvement of key figures, including the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former governor Bisi Akande, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Gboyega Oyetola, and the state party chairman, Tajudeen Lawal—none of whom, it said, had been consulted or informed.

The party noted that excitement among some of Adeleke’s supporters over a possible defection was premature and based on speculation, not reality.

“It is laughable that those who have consistently criticized our party are now trying to paint it as a desirable destination. This is nothing more than an attempt to boost Governor Adeleke’s political relevance by fabricating links to our platform,” the statement concluded.

The Osun APC urged its members and the public to ignore the rumour, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening the party and remaining the leading opposition force in the state.