The political climate in Osun State is witnessing a dramatic shift as Governor Ademola Adeleke confirmed over the weekend that he is actively considering exiting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), although his next political destination remains undisclosed.
According to a report by The Nation on Saturday, July 12, 2025, Adeleke’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, revealed that the governor is currently engaged in wide-ranging consultations with political stakeholders both within and outside the PDP as he weighs his options ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
Governor Adeleke’s confirmation of ongoing consultations has ignited widespread debate across the state and beyond, with speculations swirling about a possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC) or the formation of a new political coalition.
As part of these developments, Adeleke recently convened a critical stakeholders’ meeting of the Osun PDP leadership caucus at the Government House Banquet Hall in Osogbo.
The closed-door session was attended by high-ranking officials including his deputy, members of the state executive council, federal and state legislators, local government chairmen, and senior advisers.
A communiqué issued after the meeting expressed unanimous confidence in Governor Adeleke’s leadership and praised his administration’s developmental strides since assuming office.
The party stakeholders also urged him to continue consulting broadly across party lines and pledged their support, regardless of his eventual political alignment.
“The Governor has demonstrated effective leadership, and we trust his judgment. While he has not finalized any defection plans, we are committed to standing by him as he navigates this decision,” the communiqué read.
The presence of notable figures such as Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, Senate Deputy Minority Leader Senator Lere Oyewumi, former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, alongside several National Assembly members and local government leaders, reinforced the depth of support Adeleke continues to enjoy within the party.
Political observers interpret this show of unity as a signal that if Adeleke defects, he may carry a significant portion of the Osun PDP structure along with him.
This has led to further speculation about a strategic realignment ahead of the 2026 elections, possibly driven by internal party dynamics or wider electoral calculations.
Although the governor has yet to officially declare allegiance to any other party, his recent engagements with political actors across the aisle have added fuel to the ongoing speculations.
Despite the unfolding drama, Governor Adeleke maintains a firm grip on Osun’s political structure, particularly the ruling PDP, as the state awaits his next move with keen anticipation.