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| PDP leaders rally behind Governor Adeleke’s choices |
The group spoke plain and clear. They said they will follow him wherever he goes politically. They mean to stand by his side in any choice he makes about party affiliation. The assurance reflects deep trust in his leadership.
The meeting took place in the Banquet Hall at the Oke-Fia Government House on 12 July 2025. It brought together a wide range of party figures and government officials. Those present included the deputy governor, Senate Deputy Minority Leader, state assembly leaders, and top elders from the party’s chapters .
In their communique, they noted the governor’s work so far. They praised his performance and urged him to keep consulting widely. They stressed the need for local and national dialogue before any major decision .
A spokesperson for the governor, Olawale Rasheed, issued the statement. He underlined that the caucus felt united. He said they offered full backing for any line of action Adeleke takes.
Adeleke won 2022 election by razor-thin margin garnering just over 50 per cent of votes. He defeated APC rival soundly with roughly 400,000 ballots cast in his favour versus 375,000. Strong support in seventeen local government areas proved pivotal for his victory.
Before contesting for governor, Adeleke served as senator for Osun West. He first entered the Senate in 2017 after a by-election triggered by his brother’s passing. He later switched from APC to PDP in 2017 to run for that Senate seat .
The current defection chatter gained steam after he met President Bola Tinubu and other APC leaders in recent weeks. Those meetings fueled talk that he might join the ruling party before the 2027 elections.
Political analysts say cross-party moves are now common in Nigeria. They note that governors often change camps for wider influence or to secure backing for projects. Some experts see such shifts as part of a larger pattern of alliance building.
Others warn that frequent defections can undermine party loyalty and voter trust very badly over time somehow. Leaders jumping between parties may weaken democratic norms rather quickly in some cases. Registered voters grow weary of sudden switches for many obscure reasons.
Within the PDP caucus, unity runs deep. Apart from Adeleke himself, members included the state party chairman, the House Speaker and Deputy Speaker, the Secretary to the State Government, and former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola. They also had representatives from labour groups and special advisers .
Their message: they back the governor’s ongoing talks. They recognize he may seek broader counsel before choosing his next steps. They urged him to keep engaging all stakeholders, from local elders to national party heads.
The governor faces a key test. He must weigh loyalty to his current party against possible gains from joining the APC. His choice could reshape politics in Osun and beyond.
Some local voices view the caucus show of support as a stabilizing move. They say it calms jittery party members and quells rumours of mass defection. A united front may boost PDP morale ahead of upcoming elections.
At the same time, civil society groups call for transparency. They want the governor to explain his meetings with APC figures. They urge him to spell out his plans so voters know where he stands.
Observers note that Adeleke’s family wields clout in the state. His late brother and his own rise have kept his name in the spotlight. His nephew, the singer Davido, has also drawn national attention to Osun politics.
As the governor continues consultations, both parties court his favour. The PDP wants to keep its only southern governor outside its ranks. The APC seeks to gain ground in the southwest ahead of 2027.
For now, the PDP caucus stands firm. Their promise to follow Adeleke “wherever he goes” signals strong internal bonds. It shows they trust his judgment and approve his leadership record.
Moving forward, the governor must balance party interests with his own vision. His next move could reshape alliances in the lead-up to future polls. Voters will watch closely as he maps out his path.
Across Nigeria, political watchers will study Osun’s example. They will note how party figures rally to back their leader amid shifting tides. And they will await Adeleke’s choice—one that could mark a turning point in regional politics.
Constructive dialogue remains key. As discussions unfold, citizens hope for clear answers. They seek honest plans for development, not just party realignments. In the end, stable governance must trump political manoeuvring.
The caucus pledge this week marks a new chapter. It shows that, at least for now, Adeleke commands unified support. Whether that holds fast will depend on the decisions he makes next.
Count on ongoing coverage as this story develops. Political news in Osun is set to stay lively in the months ahead.