By Our Correspondent
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, appears set to seek re-election in 2026 on the platform of another political party, despite being elected on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His imminent defection adds to the growing wave of high-profile departures that has further weakened the opposition party’s national influence.
Adeleke’s move comes amid persistent internal crises rocking the PDP, with party stakeholders locked in leadership tussles and factional battles that have unsettled many of its state-level power blocs. Political analysts say the governor’s decision reflects the deepening fractures within the party and signals a possible realignment ahead of upcoming elections.
He now becomes the latest state governor to abandon the PDP, joining the ranks of several others who have withdrawn their membership over recent months. Governors of Delta, Akwa Ibom and Enugu states have all exited the party, citing similar frustrations with what they describe as dwindling internal cohesion and unresolved conflicts in the opposition camp.
The string of defections has sparked concerns about the future of the PDP as it continues to lose major political assets across key states. Observers warn that the party’s ability to mount a strong challenge in upcoming elections could be significantly undermined if the defections persist.
As Governor Adeleke considers his next political base, speculation continues to mount over which party he will align with, and how his decision might reshape the political landscape in Osun State. His choice is expected to influence not only the dynamics of the 2026 governorship race but also the overall balance of power within the Southwest region.
