APC Allegedly Pressuring Osun Governor Adeleke to Defect from PDP
Former Governor Accuses APC of Political Pressure
Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, former national secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and ex-governor of Osun State, has made startling allegations against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). According to Oyinlola, the APC is exerting immense pressure on current Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to defect from the PDP.
In an exclusive interview with AriseTV on Thursday, July 24, Oyinlola described this as part of a disturbing trend where the ruling party allegedly coerces opposition governors into joining their ranks. He claimed this strategy explains the recent wave of political defections across Nigeria.
Why Adeleke Resists Defection
Oyinlola revealed that Governor Adeleke has resisted these overtures because joining the APC would amount to “political suicide.” The former governor explained that the APC has lost significant popularity in Osun State, making such a move potentially disastrous for Adeleke’s political career.
“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.”
The PDP stalwart dismissed suggestions that Adeleke might eventually yield to the pressure, describing the governor as “a battle-tested general” who understands the political landscape of Osun State.
Controversial Visit to President Tinubu
The allegations come amid speculation surrounding Governor Adeleke’s recent visit to President Bola Tinubu in Lagos. The governor was accompanied by his nephew, Afrobeats superstar Davido, and his elder brother Adedeji Adeleke.
Political analysts have interpreted this visit as potentially significant, given the ongoing rumors about Adeleke’s possible defection. However, sources close to the governor maintain the visit was purely social and unrelated to political party affiliation.
Local Government Allocation Dispute
Complicating the political situation in Osun is an ongoing dispute over local government allocations. The federal government has been accused of arbitrarily withholding funds meant for local councils in the state.
Governor Adeleke has refused to recognize local government chairmen reinstated by the Court of Appeal, insisting that those elected under the PDP banner remain the legitimate office holders. This stance puts him at odds with the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi.
Spiritual Warning Adds to Political Drama
Adding another layer to the unfolding political drama, prominent cleric Primate Elijah Ayodele has issued a stark warning to Governor Adeleke. The spiritual leader cautioned the governor about potential dangers to his life, drawing parallels to the tragic death of Adeleke’s brother, former Governor Isiaka Adeleke.
Ayodele suggested that President Tinubu has significant political interest in Osun State and advised that Adeleke’s safest course might be to join the APC. However, political observers note that such a move could alienate Adeleke’s support base in Osun, where the APC has faced declining popularity.
Political Implications for 2026 Elections
As Governor Adeleke prepares for potential re-election in 2026, these developments create a complex political landscape. The alleged pressure from the APC, combined with internal PDP dynamics and the local government funding dispute, presents significant challenges for the Osun State administration.
Political analysts suggest that Adeleke’s ability to navigate these pressures while maintaining his PDP affiliation could define his political future and influence the balance of power in southwestern Nigeria.
Source: Legit.ng