Governor Ademola Adeleke Reportedly Opts for APGA Amid Deepening PDP Crisis

In a development that could significantly reshape Osun State’s 2026 governorship race, Governor Ademola Adeleke is reportedly considering a dramatic defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). According to confidential political sources, the move is tied to what insiders describe as the “worsening internal crisis” within the PDP, coupled with concerns over the party’s ability to guarantee Adeleke a stable platform for re-election.

Kabiru Turaki Emerges PDP National Chairman At Oyo Convention, Pledges Reconciliation And Rebirth

Multiple sources within Osun’s political circles revealed that Governor Adeleke has been weighing two options for months: the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) and APGA. After extensive consultations with political strategists, allies, and family members, the governor is said to have settled for APGA, a party he believes offers both structural advantage and a more recognizable national identity.

A top-level source privy to the discussions disclosed that the governor’s camp had conducted an internal analysis of both parties, focusing on their electoral strength, public perception, and the ease with which Adeleke could consolidate his base within each platform. The findings reportedly favored APGA.

According to the insider, “Adeleke has settled for APGA. He had also considered NNPP, but APGA is the preferred choice. The party’s identity and the governor’s personal branding align better with APGA than with NNPP. The decision is almost sealed.”

Why APGA?

Analysts believe that APGA’s name recognition, national spread, and longstanding political legacy—particularly through its stronghold in the South-East—played a major role in Adeleke’s decision-making. Despite APGA’s limited presence in the South-West, the party remains widely associated with stability, grassroots mobilization, and a clear ideological identity.

Sources added that Adeleke’s political advisers highlighted APGA’s relatively peaceful internal structure, arguing that the party could give the governor a free hand to shape its Osun chapter ahead of the 2026 elections.

Additionally, insiders say Adeleke is worried about the PDP’s inability to manage long-standing factional conflicts, leadership tussles, and the ongoing wave of defections rocking the party at the national level. With the recent change of national leadership and increasing rifts among state stakeholders, the fear that the PDP might enter the 2026 cycle weakened has reportedly heightened Adeleke’s concerns.

PDP’s Internal Turmoil

The PDP in Osun has been embroiled in internal conflicts ranging from leadership disputes to disagreements over control of party structures. Some members of the governor’s camp claim that opposition within the party is quietly working to frustrate Adeleke’s second-term bid by pushing for an alternative candidate.

Reports also suggest that some national-level decisions of the PDP have strained Adeleke’s relationship with key figures in Abuja. These tensions, according to political observers, may have accelerated his search for an alternative platform.

Impact on 2026 Governorship Race

If Adeleke eventually defects to APGA, analysts predict it could dramatically shift the political landscape in Osun State. His large grassroots following, particularly among youths, entertainers, and civil servants, may give APGA an unprecedented foothold in the South-West.

Some observers also speculate that Adeleke’s move could trigger a chain reaction, prompting more PDP members, especially those aligned with him, to join APGA ahead of the elections. This could weaken PDP’s base and complicate its ability to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has been working to regain control of the state.

Political strategists believe that Adeleke’s popularity—particularly his identity as the “Dancing Governor” known for his strong media presence—may give APGA the boost it needs to transform from a regionally concentrated party into a more competitive national force.

However, others argue that the governor may face resistance from longtime APGA loyalists who could insist on retaining control over party structures. Negotiations are reportedly ongoing to smoothen such concerns.

Silence From Adeleke’s Camp

Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the governor’s office have so far been unsuccessful. Calls and messages to Adeleke’s spokesperson were not returned as of press time. The silence from his communication team has further fueled speculation within the political space that the rumors may be accurate.

Meanwhile, PDP insiders insist the party remains united and that the governor has not communicated any intention to defect. A senior PDP official in Osun, who preferred anonymity, insisted that “Adeleke is a core PDP man. People should ignore these speculations.”

What Next?

As preparations for the 2026 governorship election intensify, all eyes will be on Governor Adeleke and his next political move. If confirmed, his decision to run under APGA could mark one of the biggest political realignments in the state’s history and set the stage for a highly competitive and unpredictable election.

For now, the political atmosphere remains tense as stakeholders await an official statement from the governor and his inner circle.