Amid growing speculation over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s rumoured defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC), the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has declared total loyalty to the governor, vowing to follow him “anywhere he goes.”
The PDP leaders, in a crucial meeting on Saturday at the Government House Banquet Hall in Osogbo, passed a vote of confidence on Adeleke, pledging solidarity with his political decisions.
The development comes days after Spear News reported that the governor was in talks to join the APC, a move seen as a strategic play to strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s support in the South-West ahead of the 2027 elections.
Governor Adeleke, who addressed the gathering, assured party leaders that he was still consulting widely before making any final decisions. However, the PDP leadership, in a rare show of unity, declared that they would stand by him regardless of his choice.
“Wherever our leader goes, we will follow,” declared Hon. Sunday Bisi, Osun PDP Chairman, during the meeting. “Governor Adeleke has shown exceptional leadership, and we trust his judgment. Our loyalty is to him and the progress of Osun State.”
The sentiment was echoed by Deputy Senate Minority Leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi, who stated, “We are not just party members; we are a family. Governor Adeleke has carried everyone along, and we are ready to move with him in the interest of our people.”
The Spear News report last week claimed that Adeleke had been in high-level discussions with APC leaders, including President Tinubu, as part of a broader realignment in the South-West. If true, the move could significantly alter the political landscape ahead of 2027.
However, Governor Adeleke neither confirmed nor denied the rumours during the meeting. Instead, he emphasized the need for unity and strategic decision-making.
“I am consulting with all critical stakeholders—locally and nationally,” Adeleke said. “My priority is the development of Osun State, and whatever decision we take will be in the best interest of our people.”
The meeting was attended by top PDP figures, including Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi, House Speaker Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and South-West PDP Vice Chairman Engr. Kamorudeen Ajisafe.
Tajudeen Oladipo, a prominent party elder, reinforced the collective stance, saying, “Governor Adeleke has performed beyond expectations. If he chooses to lead us in a new direction, we are with him.”
Similarly, Hon. Lasun Yusuf, a former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, added, “Politics is about the people. We will not abandon a leader who has delivered on his promises.”
After hours of deliberation, the leaders issued a communiqué, reaffirming their confidence in Adeleke’s leadership and authorizing him to continue consultations. The document explicitly stated that the Osun PDP structure would “follow Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke wherever he goes.”
The resolution has further fueled speculation that a major political realignment may be imminent. Political analysts suggest that if Adeleke defects, a significant portion of Osun PDP could follow, potentially weakening the party’s hold in the state.
While Governor Adeleke has not yet made his intentions public, the PDP’s strong backing suggests that his next move will be decisive. If he joins the APC, it could mark one of the biggest political shifts in the South-West since the 2023 elections.
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