Osun 2026: The Shockwaves of Power — PDP, ADC, and APC in a Political Earthquake By henryrich Ojo

Osun State, the usually calm political heartbeat of the South-West, has turned into a theatre of shocks, betrayals, and unpredictable moves as the 2026 governorship election draws near. What started as a regular race between familiar parties—PDP, APC, and ADC—has now transformed into a high-stakes drama filled with defections, secret alliances, and stunning revelations that are shaking the political foundation of the state.

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PDP: Cracks Beneath the Smiles

Governor Ademola Adeleke’s camp appeared unshakable for months. His “Imole” movement seemed unstoppable, lighting up the state with projects, music, and the charisma of his dance-loving style. But behind the glamour, shocking cracks are emerging.

Whispers began in January 2026 when key PDP stakeholders, including some federal appointees, started expressing silent anger over alleged marginalization and favoritism in Adeleke’s government. A leaked audio recording from a closed-door meeting of PDP elders revealed one voice—believed to be that of a senator—accusing the governor of “running Osun like a family business.” The tape went viral, shaking confidence within the ruling camp.

Then came the biggest shock—a high-ranking PDP chieftain reportedly met secretly with ADC’s Najeem Salam in Ibadan, discussing what insiders called a “unity plan against political oppression.” Days later, the chieftain’s aide was seen attending an APC strategy meeting in Lagos. The rumors of defection multiplied.

Adding to the storm, one of Adeleke’s most trusted aides resigned suddenly in April 2026, claiming “the light in the Imole movement has gone dim.” The resignation letter hit social media like thunder. For the first time since 2022, Adeleke’s supporters began to panic.

The PDP’s internal crisis deepened when a viral video captured angry youth tearing posters of Adeleke and chanting: “We voted for light, not darkness!” Analysts described it as a warning shot. The drama escalated when a court case surfaced—filed by a faction claiming Adeleke’s nomination process for re-election was “illegal and manipulated.” Though the governor’s lawyers dismissed it as the work of “distractors,” the headlines alone caused tremors in Osun’s political atmosphere.

ADC: The Unexpected Storm

If anyone underestimated the African Democratic Congress (ADC) before, 2026 is proving them wrong. The calm but calculating former Speaker, Hon. Najeem Salam, has turned the ADC into a political hurricane no one saw coming.

In December 2025, Salam shocked everyone by rejecting an offer from the APC to join their platform, declaring boldly: “I will not serve the gods of recycled politics.” His words became an instant slogan for young voters frustrated with both PDP and APC.

Then came a stunning revelation—a coalition of civil servants, retirees, and students formed a volunteer group called “Project Osun Rescue,” openly endorsing Salam. Their movement gained viral traction online, pushing ADC from an overlooked third force to a serious contender.

By February 2026, ADC’s rallies in Ejigbo, Ede, and Osogbo started drawing unexpected crowds. In a shocking twist, some local APC chairmen quietly switched allegiance to ADC, citing “principles and conscience.” The defections sent waves across the political landscape.

But the biggest surprise came in May 2026 when leaked documents suggested that some disenchanted PDP members were secretly funding ADC’s campaign structure. Opposition blogs published bank transfers and call logs allegedly connecting a PDP commissioner to ADC’s finance team. Though unverified, the story exploded online, sparking accusations that “ADC is PDP’s secret weapon against APC.”

Salam, calm as ever, denied the rumors but smiled during an interview: “When truth becomes popular, even enemies will donate to it.” The line went viral.

APC: The Phoenix or the Falling Giant?

The All Progressives Congress, once the dominant force in Osun, entered 2026 divided and wounded. After losing the 2022 election, many expected a rebound—but instead, the APC became a battleground of egos.

In January, the party headquarters in Osogbo witnessed chaos as supporters of two governorship aspirants clashed during a delegate meeting. Videos of chairs flying and police firing teargas flooded social media. The national leadership had to step in.

Then came the shocker: a faction of APC youth publicly endorsed the former Deputy Governor, who was rumored to be considering defecting to ADC. The party’s silence afterward only deepened the speculation.

A turning point came in March 2026, when a federal minister from Osun—believed to be close to President Tinubu—openly criticized the state APC for “losing touch with the people.” The comment went viral and was interpreted as a subtle endorsement of a new generation of leadership.

But the most dramatic twist arrived in July when a confidential memo leaked from the APC national secretariat revealing that the presidency had directed top federal appointees to ensure Osun returns to APC “by any means necessary.” Opposition figures immediately accused the ruling federal party of plotting “electoral capture.”

Weeks later, a shocking political earthquake hit: a powerful PDP senator defected to APC, pledging to “join the center to bring development home.” That move reignited APC’s hopes and shifted the dynamics yet again.

The Night of Surprises

As campaign season heats up, Osun’s political temperature is at boiling point. The three parties—PDP, ADC, and APC—are now locked in unpredictable warfare.

A few days before the final debate, hackers leaked a document allegedly detailing a “PDP strategy plan” to discredit ADC candidates online. Within hours, ADC’s youth wing struck back with screenshots showing internal APC chats discussing “vote buying zones.” The internet erupted in chaos.

Then came the ultimate shock. During a televised debate, a moderator confronted the PDP candidate with evidence of a secret meeting between his top aide and an APC financier. The hall went silent. Cameras caught the candidate sweating and stammering. Moments later, the ADC candidate smiled and said, “This is why Osun must rise above deception.”

The Verdict of Destiny

As Osun 2026 draws closer, the political drama remains a storm without end. PDP’s internal battles, ADC’s meteoric rise, and APC’s desperate resurgence have made the state a national focal point. No one—absolutely no one—can predict who will emerge victorious.

But one truth stands clear: Osun’s 2026 election will be remembered not just for who wins, but for how the people of Osun shocked Nigeria with their courage to rewrite history.