Governor Ademola Adeleke’s media aide, Olawale Rasheed, has debunked speculation that the Adeleke family’s recent visit to President Bola Tinubu signals plans to dump the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The clarification follows viral images of the Governor, his brother, Dr. Deji, and his nephew, music star David (popularly known as Davido), visiting President Tinubu in Lagos on Tuesday.
The meeting fueled rumours that the governor might be aligning with the APC ahead of the 2026 elections.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Rasheed dismissed the defection narrative, insisting the visit was purely a friendly gesture.
“The media speculation about likely or imminent defection is fake news. He remains a member and leader of the PDP in Osun State. The visit by the dynasty to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a routine courtesy visit. Any reading of the defection agenda into the visit is mere fake news,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Osun APC has responded with a firm message that its 2026 governorship ticket is not open for external bidders. Speaking to journalists, former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Timothy Owoeye, dismissed any suggestions of welcoming Governor Adeleke into the APC.
“I’m saying this categorically that the APC ticket is not for sale. As a matter of fact, as of today, we don’t see Adeleke as a member or part of the APC as a party,” Owoeye stated.
He went further: “If not for fear of the unknown that is disturbing the Adeleke family and the PDP, they wouldn’t be showing signs of interest in the APC. Now that they’ve realised their time is almost up, they’re scrambling.”
He added, “Come August 8, 2026, we’re taking back Osun. The PDP and Adeleke will have no place in the APC.”
