Osun APC, PDP Exchange Blame Over Governor’s Political Loyalty Rivers Governor’s Camp Remains Silent as Wike’s Allies Watch Warily Speculation about possible defections from PDP to APC has intensified after President Bola Tinubu met with PDP governors Ademola Adeleke of Osun and Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers at his Lagos residence on Tuesday.Adeleke, accompanied by his brother Deji Adeleke and nephew Davido, reportedly discussed various political issues with Tinubu, including Osun’s 2026 governorship and the 2027 elections. His visit, shortly after a meeting with APC founder Bisi Akande, has fueled rumors that Adeleke might be considering defecting to APC.
The timing—coming when the federal government withheld Osun’s local government funds for early 2025—has intensified speculation of a strategic political shift. Adeleke, who defeated Oyetola in 2022, ended APC’s 12-year hold on Osun.
In 2023, he helped deliver Osun for Atiku and secured all senatorial seats, most House reps, and control of the State Assembly for PDP.His electoral victories have made Adeleke a key SW-West figure; a possible defection would weaken PDP nationally and give Tinubu more regional leverage. While APC aims to reclaim Osun in 2026, internal challenges remain—Oyetola’s current federal role and the lack of a strong APC candidate have led to speculation that APC is courting Adeleke to strengthen its SW dominance before 2027.Sources say Adeleke may be seeking assurances from Tinubu that he won’t face federal interference in his re-election, possibly in exchange for backing Tinubu’s 2027 bid.
His recent visit to the Attorney General, Fagbemi, is seen as part of these calculations amid controversy over withheld funds.Osun APC has rejected the idea of Adeleke’s defection. Former Speaker Timothy Owoeye declared, “There’s no space for Adeleke in APC. The ticket isn’t for sale.
Their time ends August 8, 2026.” Similarly, PDP’s Oladele Bamiji dismissed the rumors as “naivety and arrogance,” emphasizing the meeting was just courtesy. Adeleke’s spokesperson Rasheed called the speculation “fake news,” affirming his loyalty to PDP and describing the visit as routine.
Adeleke’s exclusion from national PDP activities—such as his absence during Atiku’s recent visit to Osun, where Aregbesola (a Tinubu ally) met him—has fueled further speculation of internal rifts. Disputes over PDP’s National Secretary and regional fairness concerns among southern governors have created distrust.
A PDP insider warned that unresolved zoning issues might cause governors to rethink their loyalty before 2027.
In Rivers, Fubara’s political future also appears tied to federal calculations. His recent meeting with Tinubu, shortly after clashes with Wike’s loyalists over control of the state assembly, has led to speculation he’s seeking federal support to resolve legislative crises.
Despite a recent peace brokered by Tinubu, tensions persist—impeachment threats and suspensions continue.Sources suggest Fubara may be negotiating to have federal sanctions lifted in exchange for APC support or backing Tinubu’s re-election. His political survival depends on federal backing amid ongoing Wike-led opposition.If Adeleke or Fubara defect or align with APC, it would deal another blow to PDP, which has already lost key governors like Umahi, Ayade, and Matawalle before 2023. With 2027 elections approaching, Tuesday’s meeting could signal a major political shift.**Saraki Sees Defections, Foresees PDP Revival by 2027** Former Senate President Bukola Saraki hinted some PDP members may still defect to APC, while others might join PDP.
Speaking in Ilorin after re-registering as a PDP member, Saraki expressed confidence that the party would recover at the state level by 2027.He said, “PDP remains the only viable opposition. We face challenges, but I am committed to our recovery. We’ve held NEC meetings and have more scheduled.
We started early—two years ahead—to identify loyal members and rebuild. Some will leave, others will join us.”Saraki added, “We’re seeing new members at the state level.
Once stability returns, PDP can have a brighter future. We’re working hard to restore the party, and I thank Nigerians for their patience.”Maku Denies Facilitating Gov. Alia’s Defection to PDP Former Minister of Information Labaran Maku denied claims he’s influencing Benue Governor Hyacinth Alia to defect from APC to PDP. Clarifying, Maku explained that his recent involvement in a development tour was purely apolitical.
Rumors suggested Alia engaged Maku as part of his media team, fueling speculations of political realignment. Maku dismissed these, emphasizing the tour’s focus on development and service delivery across party lines.
He noted that similar initiatives, like his National Good Governance Tour as Minister, aimed to promote accountability and development, independent of party politics.
He said, “The Good Governance Tour is a civic tool to encourage leaders to focus on their core duty—to serve the people. It’s not about politics.
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