The political atmosphere in Osun State grew tense on Wednesday following the viral circulation of photos showing Governor Ademola Adeleke, his elder brother Dr. Deji Adeleke, and popular music star David Adeleke (Davido) visiting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in Lagos.
The images, widely shared on social media, stirred speculation that Governor Adeleke and key figures in the Adeleke family were plotting a defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial elections.
However, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Mr. Olawale Rasheed, swiftly dismissed the rumors, describing the reports of an impending defection as “fake news.”
“The media speculation about a likely or imminent defection is fake news. Governor Adeleke remains a committed member and leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State,” Rasheed said in an official statement.
He clarified that the visit to President Tinubu was purely a courtesy call and held no political undertone.
“The visit by the Adeleke dynasty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a routine courtesy visit. Any reading of a defection agenda into the visit is unfounded,” he added.
Meanwhile, the APC in Osun State has responded to the rumors with a firm stance, insisting that its 2026 governorship ticket is not up for grabs.
Speaking with journalists, former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly and APC chieftain, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, said, “I’m saying this categorically — the APC ticket is not for sale. As of today, we do not recognize Governor Adeleke as a member of our party.”
Owoeye alleged that the Adeleke family’s interest in the APC was driven by fear of electoral defeat, noting that the ruling PDP was already sensing its exit from government come 2026.
“If not for the fear of the unknown troubling the Adeleke family and the PDP, they wouldn’t be making gestures toward the APC. But come August 8, 2026, the PDP will be driven out of the Osun Government House,” he declared.
As both parties continue to trade words, political watchers are keeping a close eye on Osun’s evolving power dynamics ahead of the next election cycle.
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