Adeleke Not Defecting to ADC – Spokesperson

The Osun State Government has debunked rumours suggesting that Governor Ademola Adeleke is planning to defect to the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or align with any of its political figures ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed today, the government dismissed the reports as baseless speculation, reaffirming that Governor Adeleke remains firmly rooted in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

“Our attention has been drawn to news reports and media enquiries about the imminent defection of Governor Adeleke to the ADC or alignment with ADC big wigs ahead of the 2026 governorship race. There is no truth in those publications and speculations,” he said.

Mallam Rasheed emphasized that Governor Adeleke has no political arrangement or association with any member of the ADC, noting that the governor will contest and win re-election under the PDP banner in 2026 with a wide margin.

“Governor Adeleke has no alliance with anyone in ADC. He remains in PDP, will run in PDP, and needs no alliance with ADC to secure victory,” the statement clarified.

The spokesperson also referenced the Osun PDP’s recent declaration endorsing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the 2027 presidential election, a move he said further proves that the party is charting its own political course independently of ADC involvement.

Highlighting the governor’s strong track record, the statement described Adeleke’s tenure as “impressive and impactful,” with performance-driven leadership that has earned him widespread grassroots support.

“The Osun electorate supports Governor Adeleke because of his impressive performance since he came to office. That good work is still ongoing and Osun people are committed to sustaining the delivery of good governance by re-electing Governor Adeleke in 2026,” Rasheed noted.

Governor Adeleke, according to the release, also called on PDP members across the state to continue consolidating party structures and mobilizing support as part of preparations for another electoral victory in 2026.