Pressure Mounts on Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke to Join APC
In a recent development in Nigerian politics, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ex-governor of Osun State, has alleged that Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State is under significant pressure to defect from the PDP to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Oyinlola made these claims during an interview on AriseTV on July 24, 2025.
Allegations of Political Pressure
Oyinlola described the situation as a common trend where the ruling party exerts influence on elected officials to encourage them to switch allegiance. He asserted that Governor Adeleke has resisted these pressures, aware that such a move could be politically detrimental. According to Oyinlola, the APC is not popular in Osun State, and joining the party would likely lead to political suicide for Adeleke.
"APC has not fared well with the people of Osun State, and I can say that. Telling him to roll over to the APC will mean ruining his political career because the people will not go along with that. He knows it," Oyinlola stated.
Governor Adeleke's Stance
Despite the persistent pressure, Oyinlola dismissed the notion that Governor Adeleke might consider defecting to the APC. He described Adeleke as a "battle-tested general," implying that the governor is resilient and experienced enough to handle such political challenges.
Recent Visits and Political Context
Recently, Governor Adeleke, along with his nephew, Afrobeats singer David Adeleke (popularly known as Davido), and his elder brother, Adedeji Adeleke, visited President Bola Tinubu at his residence in Lagos. This visit has sparked speculation about Adeleke's political intentions, especially amid reports suggesting that he might be considering a move to the APC to secure his second term in the forthcoming governorship election in Osun.
The political landscape in Osun State is further complicated by issues such as the allocation of local government funds. The federal government's implementation of a Supreme Court judgment to seize the state council's allocation has added to the tension. Governor Adeleke has refused to recognize the reinstated local government chairmen of the APC, insisting that those elected on the PDP platform are the authentic chairmen. This stance contradicts the position of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
Warnings and Endorsements
Adding to the complexity, Primate Elijah Ayodele, a prominent cleric, has warned Governor Adeleke about potential threats to his life and political career. Ayodele suggested that Adeleke should consider defecting to the APC, citing President Tinubu's interest in Osun State. However, Adeleke's response to these warnings and the ongoing pressure remains to be seen.
As the political drama unfolds, the focus is on how Governor Adeleke will navigate these challenges and whether he will succumb to the pressure to join the APC or remain steadfast with the PDP.
