Adeleke Family Visits President Tinubu Amid Defection Rumors, Osun APC Pushes Back
The political atmosphere in Osun State heated up this week after viral photos surfaced showing Governor Ademola Adeleke, his brother Dr. Deji Adeleke, and music superstar Davido visiting President Bola Tinubu in Lagos. The visit sparked intense speculation that Governor Adeleke might be considering a defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
However, the governor’s spokesperson, Mr. Olawale Rasheed, has dismissed such rumors as unfounded media speculation. In a statement released on Wednesday, Rasheed clarified that the meeting with the President was simply a courtesy visit and not a sign of political realignment.
“The media speculation about likely or imminent defection is fake news,” the statement read. “Governor Adeleke remains a committed leader of the PDP in Osun State. The Adeleke dynasty’s visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was nothing more than a routine courtesy call.”
In contrast, the APC in Osun State issued a firm response, stating that their party is not open to crossover politicians. Speaking to journalists, former House of Assembly Speaker Timothy Owoeye made the party’s stance clear.
“I’m saying this categorically: the APC ticket is not for sale,” Owoeye stated. “Governor Adeleke is not a member of our party. If not for fear of political uncertainty, the Adeleke family wouldn’t be giving off signals like this.”
He went further to assert the APC’s confidence in reclaiming the state. “We believe the PDP’s time in Osun ends in 2026. We urge our members to stay calm—there’s no room for Adeleke or the PDP in our fold.”
As the 2026 election cycle begins to stir political waters, both camps appear to be drawing clear lines in the sand, with the Adeleke camp denying defection talks while the APC signals it’s not extending an olive branch—at least not yet.
