Residents of Osun State have reacted with mixed emotions following the communiqué issued by the state’s Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, leadership caucus and Governor Ademola Adeleke, which affirmed the governor’s continued stay in the party and his endorsement for re-election in 2026.
The communiqué, released on Monday, July 21, 2025, reportedly came after extensive consultations across the state, acknowledged Osun as the ancestral home of President Bola Tinubu, and also declared support for his re-election bid in 2027.
In their communiqué, the PDP leadership reaffirmed Governor Adeleke as the party’s flagbearer for the 2026 governorship election and directed all members to remain in the PDP.
The PDP caucus revealed that despite widespread loyalty to Governor Adeleke, most party members were not happy with the idea of his possible defection, and cited hostility from some APC leaders as a reason to remain in the PDP.
In contrast, former Deputy Governor of Osun and ex-National Secretary of the APC, Senator Iyiola Omisore, recently granted an interview where he emphasised the need for a new political direction in Osun.
“The people are tired of confusion. We must go into 2026 with clarity and strategy.”
Omisore also revealed that Governor Adeleke was begging to join the APC in preparation for the 2026 governorship election.
Many residents described the resolutions as a stabilising move following weeks of political uncertainty triggered by speculation of Governor Adeleke’s defection to the All Progressives Congress, APC.
Kehinde Ajibola, a trader at Owode-Ede market, said, “We have been confused. Now that the governor is staying in PDP, we can focus on the election.”
Saheed Oladimeji, a youth leader in Ejigbo Local Government Area, said, “Some APC leaders insulted the governor online. We felt betrayed.”
The communiqué also followed the recent resignation of prominent PDP chieftains such as Senator Francis Fadahunsi, Senator Olubiyi Fadeyi, Sanya Omirin, and Taofeek Abimbola Ajilesoro.
The move, many political observers in the state saw as a fallout from growing discontent within the PDP ranks.
Taiwo Alao, a retired teacher and resident of Osogbo, expressed cautious optimism.
“Let the governor continue his Five Point Agenda. But we also need assurances that the infighting won’t return.”
A community leader in Ede, Chief Olatunji Akanbi, sued for peace and unity within the ranks of the political parties.
He said, “This is not the time for division. Let all parties show maturity. Politics is not a do or die affair.”
Osun: Mixed reactions trial PDP communique endorsing Adeleke, Tinubu
