Amid rumours of defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has reportedly decided to remain in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) — a move the APC claims was actually rejected due to the governor’s alleged poor performance.
In a strongly worded statement on Wednesday, APC Osun State Chairman Tajudeen Lawal, through the party’s Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi, said the governor’s overture to join the party was declined because he would be a “liability” and a “Trojan horse.”
“Governor Ademola Adeleke was rejected because he was quickly identified as a Trojan horse, a big baggage and liability that would hurt the integrity of the APC,” the statement read.
Lawal accused the governor of attempting to seek political refuge in the APC out of fear of defeat in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial elections, asserting that the PDP in Osun has become “a leprous house” abandoned by credible politicians.
“From 2023, when the party began to morally emaciate… bright minds and people with good names to protect… daily troop out from the tattered umbrella into our party,” he added.
In a swift rebuttal, PDP State Chairman, Sunday Bisi, dismissed the APC’s claims, insisting that the PDP remains Osun’s most popular party, with strong grassroots support and a track record of performance under Governor Adeleke.
“Our party is focused on the people and is not seeking to import fake voters and rig the 2026 elections,” Bisi said.
“We have no plan to rig the 2026 election. We are sure Osun people will vote for PDP and stand by their votes next year.”
He reaffirmed confidence in Governor Adeleke’s popularity, stating that he would “win Osun votes resoundingly in 2026,” while pledging support for President Tinubu to win the state in the presidential election.
The exchange underscores rising political tension ahead of the 2026 elections, as both parties position themselves for electoral dominance in Osun State.
