Amid mounting speculation over possible defection plans by the Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state has thrown its weight behind the governor.
The PDP leadership pledged unwavering loyalty and support for whatever political direction he chooses.
At a high-level caucus meeting held on Saturday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, the Osun PDP passed a unanimous vote of confidence in Governor Adeleke, stating categorically that the party would follow him should he decide to leave the PDP.
“Osun PDP leadership caucus today passed a vote of confidence on Governor Ademola Adeleke, unanimously supporting any decision the Governor takes on the growing rumour of defection to another political party,” a communique issued after the meeting and signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, read.
The meeting brought together an extensive list of stakeholders across party and government structures. Attendees included members of the National and State Assemblies, top government officials, PDP state executives, elders of the party, and members of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON).
“The leaders who praised the Governor’s leadership and performance in office mandated him to continue consultations with all stakeholders locally and nationally.”
Governor Adeleke, who briefed the caucus on the ongoing consultations and political developments, was met with resounding endorsements from the leaders. According to the communique: “After briefing from Governor Ademola Adeleke and exhaustive deliberations by leaders, the meeting issued a communique to signal its direction on the issue at the moment.”
“In the communique, the PDP state leadership resolved to follow Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke wherever he goes.”
The meeting further acknowledged that the governor has not yet made a final decision. “The meeting however recognised that the Governor is still consulting on next lines of action.”
The communiqué noted that “present at the meeting were high-profile figures including Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi; Senate Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi; federal lawmakers Hon Bamidele Sallam, Hon Clement Olohunwa, and Hon Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro; South West PDP Vice Chairman, Engr Kamoruden Ajisafe; Osun PDP Chairman, Hon Sunday Bisi; and House Speaker Rt Hon Adewale Egbedun.”
Others included former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinleye; Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye; ALGON State Chairman, Hon Sarafadeen Awotunde; and various members of the PDP elders caucus.
The communique was signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.
This show of loyalty comes amid reports by SaharaReporters that Governor Adeleke is in talks to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC). According to sources quoted in the report, some APC leaders are seriously considering accepting Adeleke into the party, viewing his potential defection as a strategic advantage that could tilt control of Osun State in the party’s favor.
“As of now, there are deliberations around Adeleke joining the APC. The considerations of the party (APC) leaders is that if he joins, it would help it get a hold of Osun state, given that he is the incumbent governor but we are still waiting on what will happen,” a source told SaharaReporters.
Another source emphasized that the final decision may rest with President Bola Tinubu. “If the President decides to accept Adeleke into the party, we would support him, as he is the leader of the party,” the source said.
However, concerns were also raised about potential backlash from APC members who had previously left the PDP due to disagreements with Adeleke.
When contacted, Osun APC Chairman, Sooko Taju Lawal, told SaharaReporters, “We are not aware or involved in the process of Adeleke joining APC.” On whether the party would accept him, he said: “Let it happen first and we will know what to do, I will not comment much on the development.”
While Adeleke’s next political move remains unclear, the strong show of solidarity by Osun PDP leaders signalled that any decision by the governor could potentially reshape the political landscape of the state.
