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Secret Talks Exposed! Adeleke’s Alleged APC Switch Triggers High-Stakes Political Drama
Tension has gripped the political landscape in Osun State as speculations mount over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s alleged plans to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Saturday PUNCH has learnt.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Multiple aides and close associates of the governor confirmed to Saturday PUNCH that Adeleke’s defection plot is in advanced stages, sending shockwaves through both the PDP and APC camps.
Despite the growing rumours, the governor, through his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, has denied any intention to leave the PDP, calling the speculation baseless.
Panic in APC, PDP Over Secret Meetings
The defection buzz first gained traction in June when Governor Adeleke visited President Bola Tinubu at his Bourdillon residence in Lagos, accompanied by his billionaire brother, Dr Deji Adeleke, and music star nephew, David Adeleke (Davido). Photos from the meeting — posted by presidential aide Dada Olusegun — showed the Adelekes in a warm exchange with the President and First Lady, sparking intense speculation.
Tensions reignited this week after cryptic social media posts by some of Adeleke’s top aides hinted at a possible political shift. One such post came from the governor’s Senior Special Assistant and Osun PDP Director of Media, Oladele Bamiji, who wrote, “On Your Mandate!” — a slogan famously linked to President Tinubu.
Governor’s Team Hints at Exit Over Political Uncertainty
Speaking under anonymity, a commissioner in Adeleke’s cabinet disclosed that the defection plan was driven by several factors, including threats to family business interests, withheld local government allocations, and internal crisis within the PDP that could jeopardize Adeleke’s re-election bid.
“Mr Governor will join the APC, but the declaration will come later. The Federal Government’s grip on local government funds and pressures on his brother’s businesses have played a role. So, the stakes are high,” the source said.
Another top aide cited fears surrounding Adeleke’s second-term bid. “With the PDP primary slated for September and no clarity on who will sign the nomination forms amid the party’s crisis, litigation risks are high. That’s why he’s weighing his options,” the aide noted.
Reports also suggest that the defection is being quietly brokered by top APC figures, including President Tinubu’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and members of the President’s inner circle.
APC Yet to Reach Consensus
While Adeleke is said to be lobbying APC leaders, internal resistance reportedly remains. An APC chieftain disclosed that party elders like Bisi Akande and Gboyega Oyetola have yet to endorse Adeleke’s entry, leaving the final decision to President Tinubu.
“The governor is in talks with our leaders, but Tinubu must persuade the old guard before anything becomes official,” the APC source revealed.
One of Adeleke’s aides, Olalekan Badmus, also took to social media to cryptically confirm the governor’s indecision: “After we all agreed to this, the next question is where? Governor Adeleke is currently consulting and evaluating all options. Reports of a confirmed move are still speculative.”
Official Response: Adeleke Still in PDP
In an official statement, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP. Spokesperson Olawale Rasheed said, “I remain fully committed to the PDP. I have no plans to defect.”
Rasheed dismissed the defection rumours as “fake news,” urging the public to focus on the governor’s delivery of good governance under his administration’s five-point agenda.
Meanwhile, APC National Secretary, Senator Ajibola Basiru, said the party’s national headquarters has not been notified of any plans by Adeleke to join the APC.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has revealed that his push for an opposition coalition was initially rejected by members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the disclosure during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday, where he reflected on events following the PDP’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election. According to him, he warned party leaders after the election that the PDP could struggle politically without forming alliances with other opposition forces. “To be honest, I was one of the major initiators of this coalition. After the PDP lost the last election, I told the party clearly that I did not see a future for the PDP without a coalition,” he said. Atiku said his advice was rejected at the time, despite his conviction that Nigeria’s political history had shown the importance of alliances. “They disagreed with me then. I have studied Nigeria’s political transition over the years and saw how previous alliances worked, so it was not difficult for me to foresee this,” he stated. The former vice president added that his support for coalition politics was also influenced by his desire to encourage the emergence of younger leaders he believes are vital to Nigeria’s future. “I saw some of these younger politicians as the future leaders of this country, and I felt it was my duty to point that out,” he said. However, Atiku claimed the resistance he encountered within the party was driven more by personal feelings than by disagreement over the substance of his proposal. “They disagreed with me simply because they did not want to see my face, not because of what I was suggesting,” he said. Atiku added that recent political developments have now vindicated his position on the need for a broad opposition alliance ahead of future elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will first pursue a consensus arrangement before considering a primary election for its 2027 presidential ticket.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made this known during an interview on Arise Television on Wednesday while discussing the party’s leadership and strategy ahead of the next general election.
He said he is open to backing a consensus candidate if that becomes the party’s collective decision, stressing that such support should not be interpreted as stepping aside.
“It is not about stepping aside, but whether I am willing to support, and yes, I will,” Atiku said.
According to him, the ADC’s first priority is to build internal unity and reach an agreement among stakeholders before considering a competitive primary process.
“Our first option will be to work out a consensus. If that doesn’t happen, then of course we will explore other options. And yes, I will support whoever eventually emerges,” he stated.
Atiku also expressed confidence in the political experience within the party, saying he believes a consensus is achievable and may make a full-scale primary contest unnecessary.
“That remains our preferred path. We will go for primaries if consensus fails, but I honestly do not expect it to get to that stage because we are dealing with mature and experienced politicians,” he added.
His comments come amid growing political consultations and coalition talks as parties begin to position themselves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has significantly strengthened his chances of winning the 2027 presidential election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
Atiku made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Wednesday. Speaking on what makes his latest presidential bid different from previous attempts, Atiku said the ADC coalition brings together key political figures from across major parties, including the APC, PDP and Labour Party. He described the alliance as a broader and more strategic political arrangement ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to him, the coalition has created a stronger platform that improves his prospects. “Now, we have a broader coalition — a combination of APC, PDP and LP — which gives me a better chance of becoming president in 2027,” he said. Atiku also noted that the coalition reflects both experience and generational inclusion, which he said shows a clear succession plan. “You see people of my generation, and you see younger people coming behind us, so you can clearly see a succession pattern,” he added. Meanwhile, Atiku described former President Goodluck Jonathan as a decent but inexperienced leader. According to him, Jonathan’s lack of experience contributed to shortcomings in governance and played a role in his defeat in the 2015 presidential election. “I know Goodluck Jonathan very well. He is a decent young man, but he was also inexperienced, and that contributed to his failure in managing the affairs of the country,” Atiku said. He made the remarks while stressing the need for experienced and capable leadership in Nigeria.
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