The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has formally endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term in office ahead of the 2026 governorship election. In a development that has stirred political debate, the PDP in the state also threw its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for re-election in 2027.
Governor Adeleke made the announcement on Tuesday via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle after a strategic meeting with the PDP leadership caucus held in Osogbo.
“After weeks of consultations with stakeholders across Osun — including traditional rulers, civil servants, market leaders, and grassroots party members — I met with the PDP Leadership Caucus in Osogbo. I am honoured to have received their unanimous endorsement for a second term in 2026,” the governor posted.
Adeleke reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, stating that he remained committed to the party that gave him the platform to serve. “I remain in the PDP, and I appreciate the continued support from our party in Osun,” he stated.
However, in an unexpected political twist, the governor also revealed that the Osun PDP had endorsed President Tinubu — a native of the state — for re-election.
“Our party in Osun has also endorsed President @officialABAT for re-election in 2027. He remains a proud son of our land,” Adeleke wrote, acknowledging the cross-party endorsement.
Despite the unusual move, Governor Adeleke stressed that the PDP remained Osun’s most popular and trusted political force and promised to advance his administration’s Five-Point Agenda with renewed vigor.
“Together, we move forward,” he concluded.
The endorsement comes amid speculation that Governor Adeleke was considering a defection to the APC — rumours he appeared to dispel by reiterating his allegiance to the PDP. Nevertheless, the cross-party backing for Tinubu is seen by many analysts as a strategic olive branch, potentially aimed at consolidating local support and gaining favour with the federal government.
Earlier this month, during a PDP caucus meeting at the Government House in Osogbo, party leaders passed a vote of confidence in Adeleke and pledged to stand by him regardless of any political decisions he might take in the future.
A communiqué issued after that meeting, signed by the governor’s spokesperson Olawale Rasheed, stated that the Osun PDP would support Adeleke’s political direction, even if it meant switching parties — a signal that had further fueled speculation of defection.
SaharaReporters had previously reported that high-level talks were underway between Governor Adeleke and key APC figures, with some APC insiders viewing his possible defection as a strategic gain for the party in Osun. However, other APC loyalists expressed concerns, citing potential friction with former PDP members now in the APC who had defected due to disagreements with Adeleke.
Sources close to the matter suggest that President Tinubu’s position could ultimately determine whether any party-switching occurs.
For now, Governor Adeleke remains a PDP governor endorsing an APC president — a move many describe as one of the most intriguing political realignments in recent memory.
For updates, follow D Reportorial Media or connect via social platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
