Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed reports claiming he plans to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), labelling the rumours as baseless and a desperate strategy by the opposition.
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In a statement released on Monday, 13 January, by his media aide, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke strongly refuted the claims, describing them as “fake news from the pit of hell.” The statement also criticised the APC’s alleged attempt to discredit the governor’s administration ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial elections.
According to the statement, the rumours reflect the APC’s internal struggles and lack of viable candidates for the upcoming elections. The opposition party is reportedly divided over the suitability of potential aspirants, including former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, Senator Ajibola Bashiru, and Oyebamiji from Ikire, whose local traditional rulers have endorsed Adeleke’s second-term bid.
The statement further argued that the APC is using such falsehoods to brace itself for Adeleke’s possible re-election in 2026. It stated:
“The ‘Imole’ winning signal must have become so clear that the state APC is surrendering to the reality that God, the people, and even federal authorities have affirmed the re-election of Mr Governor even before 2026.”
Trend of Defections Across Parties
This rumour comes amid widespread allegations that several PDP governors are planning to defect to the APC. Names mentioned include Governors Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta). While all have denied these claims, the allegations have reignited fears of Nigeria sliding toward a one-party state.
Opposition leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi), have accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of orchestrating a campaign to dismantle the multi-party system. They allege that the APC’s ultimate goal is to secure defections from opposition parties to strengthen Tinubu’s bid for re-election in 2027.
Damage to Nigeria’s Democracy
The trend of political defections undermines Nigeria’s democratic foundation. When governors and elected officials switch parties, often for personal or political gain, it erodes the trust of voters who supported them based on their party affiliations and manifestos.
This trend promotes a culture of impunity, where elected officials disregard their party’s mandate and the loyalty of grassroots supporters. It perpetuates instability, weakens opposition parties, and fuels the perception that politics is driven solely by self-interest rather than national development.
Unless stringent measures are taken to curb party hopping, Nigeria’s democracy will continue to suffer setbacks.
Political offices must represent the will of the people, not the whims of politicians seeking power at all costs. As Governor Adeleke rightly pointed out, such actions reflect desperation and a disregard for the principles of good governance.
