Politics
Osun PDP Chairman Shrugs Off Defections, Says Adeleke Remains Strong for 2026
By
Meeyah
The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Sunday Bisi, has dismissed fears that recent defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC) could undermine Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid in 2026.
Speaking in an interview reported by Punch, Bisi described the defections as insignificant, calling them “a storm in a teacup.” He maintained that Governor Adeleke continues to enjoy broad-based support across the state, despite reports suggesting the recent exits might weaken the PDP’s hold ahead of the next governorship race.
In the past few weeks, notable figures within the Osun PDP have decamped to the APC. Among them are Wole Oke, a serving member of the House of Representatives for Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency, and former Senator Felix Ogunwale, who represented Osun Central from 2003 to 2007.
The situation has been further complicated by the public endorsement of President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid by all three PDP senators from Osun State, stirring speculation about internal disunity within the party. These moves have emboldened the APC, which has been quick to capitalize on the perceived cracks in the PDP.
However, Bisi insisted that the defections were overblown and do not reflect the true political climate in Osun. He contrasted the situation with what occurred in Delta State, where, he noted, the PDP’s entire structure shifted to the APC. “The defections in Osun are not comparable to what happened in Delta State, where the entire PDP structure moved to the APC. Our situation is different, and these defections will not impact us,” he said.
Bisi also highlighted Governor Adeleke’s record in office, citing his efforts in infrastructure and social programs as key achievements that would secure voter support.
He concluded confidently, “Adeleke’s good governance will earn him the people’s vote again in 2026.”
With these remarks, the Osun PDP leadership is aiming to reassure its base and counter the growing narrative of internal instability.
