A political group known as the Osun Democrats for Democracy, ODD, has called on the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and join the All Progressives Congress, APC, to support President Bola Tinubu’s ongoing reforms and political stability in the state.
In a statement issued through Adeoye Fasipe, its Director of Publicity on Wednesday in Osogbo, the group argued that prevailing political trends at both state and national levels necessitate realignments and sacrifices for the common good of Osun, the Yoruba nation, and the southern presidency.
According to the statement, “In view of compelling reasons among which are the need to support Mr President in the face of national gang up, the uncertainty within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the need for ease of continuity after 2026, we respectfully call on Governor Ademola Adeleke to join the APC.”
The group stated that Governor Adeleke’s defection, though a difficult decision, would demonstrate commitment to national unity and southern solidarity.
“We recognise that defection is almost the highest level of sacrifice, the national situation however compels all hands to be on deck to support our son, President Tinubu, to survive and to get re-elected,” Fasipe added.
The group which cited internal divisions within the PDP as a key concern, stated that the party’s ability to present viable candidates for the 2026 governorship and 2027 presidential elections was in doubt.
The organisation urged both the national leadership of the APC and President Tinubu to recognise and reward the potential defection of Governor Adeleke.
“The PDP is already a factionalised party with unsure grounds for electoral contest.
“As a popular Governor who has performed so well, the President must ensure full presidential leverage for such defection,” Fasipe maintained.
ODD also dismissed opposition coalitions as unstable and misaligned with Yoruba interests, warning against aligning with movements seeking to unseat President Tinubu and called on the Osun State APC to prepare for potential political reconciliation.
“No Yoruba Governor should belong to an alliance dedicated to removing a Yoruba President from office. We cannot work against a Yoruba man to favour a Hausa/Fulani man as a replacement.
“If Osun APC has the interest of President Tinubu at heart, they must accept that a defection by Governor Adeleke is the biggest light in the re-election bid of President Tinubu,” the statement read.
The group while emphasising the importance of political flexibility and unity in safeguarding regional and national interests stressed that strategic partnerships must supersede past political differences in light of the evolving political landscape.
ODD also appealed to the leadership of the Osun State PDP to accept the potential defection in good faith as it is a call in the interests of Osun State, Yorubaland and southern Nigeria.
