Osun 2026: Adeleke’s team debunks defection claims, reaffirms loyalty

DDM News

The Osun State Executive Council has firmly denied ongoing rumours suggesting an imminent mass defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM) reports, Officials of the council reiterated their unwavering commitment to Governor Ademola Adeleke’s leadership and their allegiance to the party’s objectives.

Speaking on Monday, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Dosu Babatunde, conveyed the collective loyalty of the council members.

He emphasized that the entire cabinet remains united behind Governor Adeleke’s vision for Osun State.

Babatunde made these declarations while addressing a press gathering organized to counteract false narratives being pushed by the opposition.

He described the reports of planned defections as deliberate fabrications aimed at sowing discord within the ruling party.

According to Babatunde, the opposition’s strategies amount to nothing more than desperate political propaganda.

He declared that no member of the Executive Council was contemplating leaving the PDP for another party.

Babatunde asserted that the team had invested considerable effort in building the PDP’s current strength in Osun State.

He condemned the defection rumours as “reckless” and “baseless,” warning that they would not succeed in distracting the administration.

“No amount of political scheming by opposition elements will deter us from serving the people,” Babatunde declared firmly.

He added that the people of Osun State could see the difference the Adeleke administration had made in governance.

The commissioner said that these achievements would speak for themselves when election season arrives.

He also predicted a resounding victory for Governor Adeleke in the 2026 gubernatorial election.

Babatunde noted that the people’s loyalty lies with an administration that has fulfilled its promises.

Governor Ademola Adeleke rose to national prominence following his strong performance in the 2018 PDP governorship primary.

Although he narrowly lost the 2018 general election to the APC’s Gboyega Oyetola, Adeleke remained a significant political figure.

In 2022, he returned with greater momentum, defeating Oyetola in a closely watched and competitive election.

Governor Adeleke’s victory was widely interpreted as a response to widespread dissatisfaction with the previous administration.

Since assuming office, Adeleke has focused on civil service reforms, education revitalization, healthcare improvement, and infrastructural development.

His government has also emphasized digital economy initiatives and efforts to modernize traditional institutions.

The Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, under Babatunde, has played a significant role in strengthening grassroots governance.

The alleged defection rumours surfaced amid early positioning by political actors ahead of the 2026 polls.

Political observers suggest that opposition parties are using these rumours to undermine confidence in Adeleke’s administration.

However, the government’s firm rebuttal appears to have reassured supporters and party members alike.

Babatunde insisted that the Executive Council’s commitment to Governor Adeleke is total and unshaken.

He dismissed opposition efforts as futile, stressing that the council’s focus remains on governance and service delivery.

“Our loyalty to His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke, remains at 100%,” Babatunde affirmed.

He further vowed that no political manoeuvring could persuade them to betray the PDP.

Babatunde’s assurances are seen as a strategic move to consolidate the party’s strength ahead of a tough electoral season.

Governor Adeleke’s administration continues to enjoy substantial grassroots support across Osun’s local governments.

Programmes targeting youth empowerment, education scholarships, healthcare access, and infrastructure renewal have strengthened his popularity.

Meanwhile, opposition forces are reportedly scrambling to regroup and formulate strategies to challenge Adeleke in 2026.

Despite these manoeuvres, confidence within the PDP camp remains strong, as reflected in Babatunde’s statements.

The commissioner emphasized that service delivery would remain their top priority until the end of the Governor’s first term.

He urged Osun citizens to ignore destabilizing propaganda and focus on the government’s numerous accomplishments.

He also encouraged party members to remain vigilant and resilient against attempts to divide their ranks.

Babatunde expressed optimism that unity within the party would translate into electoral victory.

As the 2026 race gradually takes shape, Osun’s political landscape is already heating up with early contests of narrative.

Still, Governor Adeleke’s team appears ready to defend its record and secure another term for the PDP.

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