The Osun State leadership caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term in the 2026 governorship election.
In a striking political development, the caucus also threw its weight behind the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Governor Adeleke made this disclosure on Tuesday through a statement shared on his X (formerly Twitter) handle, following a strategic meeting with the PDP leadership caucus held in Osogbo, the state capital.
“Yesterday, I had a fruitful meeting with the PDP Leadership Caucus in Osogbo, following weeks of consultations with various stakeholders across Osun State — ranging from traditional rulers and civil servants to market leaders and grassroots party members,” Adeleke revealed.
He reiterated his steadfast loyalty to the PDP, under which he was elected governor, and conveyed his appreciation to party members for their sustained support.
“I remain in the PDP, the party that offered me the platform to serve the good people of Osun. I have now been unanimously endorsed by the Osun PDP for a second term in 2026,” he affirmed.
In what many observers described as an unexpected political realignment, the Osun PDP caucus declared its endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term, referring to him as “a proud son of our state.”
Announcing this decision, Governor Adeleke stated, “Our party in Osun has also endorsed the President for re-election in 2027.”
Despite this cross-party presidential endorsement, Adeleke assured supporters that the PDP remains the most dominant and trusted political force within Osun State.
He further pledged to intensify the implementation of his administration’s Five-Point Development Agenda with renewed energy and dedication, inspired by the unwavering support of the Osun populace. “Together, we move forward,” he concluded.
This public declaration and political alignment come against the backdrop of widespread speculation suggesting that Governor Adeleke might be preparing to defect to the APC.
However, his latest statement reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP, even as he expressed strategic political support for President Tinubu of the ruling party.
Meanwhile, the Osun PDP leadership has openly affirmed its loyalty to Governor Adeleke and pledged to support any political course he may chart.
During a high-level caucus meeting convened on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Osogbo, party leaders passed a unanimous vote of confidence in the governor.
According to a communiqué issued after the meeting and signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the party categorically resolved to back any decision Adeleke might make regarding the swirling rumours of his defection.
“The leadership caucus of the PDP in Osun State passed a vote of confidence on Governor Adeleke, expressing unanimous support for any decision he deems fit amid the speculations about possible defection,” the statement read.
However, the Osun State chapter of the APC has dismissed as falsehood the reports circulating that Governor Adeleke had defected to its ranks.
The APC, through a statement signed by its State Director of Media and Information, Mogaji Kola Olabisi, urged party members, supporters, and the general public to disregard such claims, describing them as fabrications from the governor’s camp.
“We wish to state categorically and unequivocally that the claim that Governor Adeleke has defected to our party is a blatant lie from the pit of hell. At no point has the governor joined our party, nor is there any contemplation of such at any level of the APC, whether in the state or at the national level,” the statement emphasized.
The APC further debunked assertions that the presidency had mounted pressure on Adeleke to defect, asserting that no such discussions or overtures had taken place.
“It is entirely untrue that Governor Adeleke has joined the APC in Osun State, and no such overtures have been made from the presidency or any national leadership of our party,” the statement clarified.
As political dynamics continue to evolve in Osun State, Adeleke’s dual endorsement strategy — staying within the PDP while supporting President Tinubu — is poised to reshape alignments ahead of the 2026 and 2027 elections, even as both PDP and APC camps continue to clarify their positions.