2026: Defection Won’t Affect Adeleke’s Victory – PDP Chair

The Osun State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sunday Bisi, has assured that the recent defections of some party members to the All Progressives Congress (APC) will not prevent Governor Ademola Adeleke from winning re-election in 2026.

Speaking amid reports suggesting that the movement of certain PDP members to the APC might undermine Adeleke’s chances, Bisi dismissed such concerns, describing the defections as “a storm in a teacup.” He maintained that the majority of Osun residents continue to support the governor’s second-term bid.

Over the past month, several PDP members have defected to the APC, including Wole Oke, a current member of the House of Representatives representing Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency. Additionally, Felix Ogunwale, a former senator for Osun Central between 2003 and 2007, along with some followers of Oke, have also left the PDP for the APC.

Adding to the political tension, the three PDP senators from Osun State in the National Assembly publicly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term. These developments have raised concerns among PDP members, while the APC continues to mock the opposition party.

However, Bisi expressed confidence in the governor’s popularity and achievements.

“The defections are not a serious matter; they are a storm in a teacup. If you talk about defection, you can reference the movement of the Delta State governor and the entire PDP structure in that state to the APC. I acknowledge that as a real defection. The defections in Osun cannot affect us in any way,” he said.

He further highlighted Governor Adeleke’s track record, saying, “Adeleke is doing well in terms of infrastructure and social programmes for the people of the state. He has been delivering good governance, and people will appreciate him for that by re-electing him in 2026.”

The PDP chairman’s remarks come as political stakeholders in Osun State gear up for the 2026 gubernatorial elections, with the battle lines clearly drawn between the PDP and APC.