LIVE UPDATES
The Osun State branches of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have exchanged heated statements regarding Governor Ademola Adeleke's failed defection plan.
The APC claimed that Adeleke was rejected due to being a potential liability that could damage the party's integrity.
On the other hand, the PDP, which refrained from engaging in disputes with the opposition, asserted that the decision of the Osun citizens regarding the election in 2026 would be crucial.
The spokesperson for the Osun APC, Kola Olabisi, released a statement in Osogbo on Wednesday, highlighting that a caucus within the Osun PDP, represented by a communique from Adeleke and 27 other party leaders, criticized the opposition to the governor’s attempted defection to the ruling national party.
"The informed public of Osun State understands that the fear of losing in the 2026 elections pushed the governor to seek refuge in our party for his political survival, which has excited them about the way the Osun governor and his desperate allies have been handled.
Those rejecting Adeleke's defection to the APC recognized that his intentions were disingenuous, linked solely to his troubled bid for re-election, against the backdrop of the PDP actively recruiting supporters to undermine President Tinubu's reputation through various media outlets while he acts as if he is friendly towards the President in Abuja," Olabisi remarked.
In response, Osun PDP chairman Sunday Bisi stated that his party remains devoted to the electorate and does not intend to import fake voters or rig the 2026 elections as alleged by the opposition.
"The party maintains its commitment to the upcoming races in 2026 and 2027 and emphasizes that the people of Osun are aware of all parties' performance records and will make informed choices.
We won’t engage with the opposition's claims. We are confident that the Osun populace will support the PDP and uphold their votes next year. Our track record of good performance speaks for itself," he asserted.
Bisi further claimed that the Osun PDP is a strong platform and is confident Adeleke will succeed in the 2026 governorship election, assuring party members that with their support, President Bola Tinubu would also win re-election.
Amid a wave of defections affecting the PDP in Osun State, 25 lawmakers elected under the party's banner have expressed their loyalty to the governor.
These members dismissed rumors suggesting they might leave the PDP, stating their commitment to work towards achieving Adeleke's victory in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
So far, five federal lawmakers affiliated with the PDP from Osun have resigned their membership.
The first to depart was Oluwole Oke, representing Oriade/Obokun in the House of Representatives. Senators Francis Fadahunsi of Osun East and Olubiyi Fadeyi of Osun Central also resigned from the PDP.
On Wednesday, resignation letters from Abimbola Ajilesoro, representing Ife Central/East/North/South, and Sanya Ominrin from Ijesa South were also revealed, raising concerns that some state lawmakers may also defect.
Addressing the media in Osogbo on Wednesday, Speaker Mr. Adewale Egbedun reassured that the 25 lawmakers are steadfast in their allegiance to the PDP.
He claimed they are prepared to work towards transitioning the remaining APC members in the House to the PDP to bolster Adeleke’s prospects in the upcoming gubernatorial election.
"The 25 members of the Osun State House of Assembly who were elected under the PDP banner are united, loyal, and fully committed to Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke's administration and the party that brought them to power, which is the PDP.
There is no division or crisis in this House, contrary to the circulating rumors. We, the honorable members, are men of integrity, impervious to pressure or temptation.
We hold the mandate of our constituents and aim to uphold that trust with dignity and loyalty," he concluded.
