A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Jamiu Olawumi, on July 24, 2025, confirmed that the party leadership rejected Governor Ademola Adeleke’s attempt to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Olawumi, a close ally of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, stated that Adeleke’s move was rebuffed due to his perceived political liability, asserting that Chief Bisi Akande, not Adeleke, would remain the party’s leader in Osun if he joined.
The rejection follows months of speculation about Adeleke’s intentions, with some attributing it to his endorsement of President Tinubu for 2027. APC insiders argue the decision preserves party integrity, while Adeleke’s camp claims it reflects internal power struggles. The narrative of rejection strengthens the APC’s stance but leaves Adeleke’s political future ambiguous, with potential implications for Osun’s 2026 governorship race.