The Osun Leaders of Thought, OLT, has advised Governor Ademola Adeleke against defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
The political interest group also urged Governor Adeleke to instead remain in the party while fully supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in the 2027 presidential election.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Public Affairs Chief, Adesola Adigun, the group cautioned against growing pressure on Adeleke to cross over to the All Progressives Congress, APC, warning that such a move could destabilise both state and national political alignments.
“We take note of mounting pressure from far and near to get Governor Ademola Adeleke to cross over to the APC. This is ill-advised and unnecessary. The Governor should remain in PDP and continue the good work he is doing for the good people of Osun State,”; the group said.
While reaffirming support for President Tinubu’s 2027 ambition, the group described it as a matter of ancestral and regional loyalty, noting that Osun, being Tinubu’s ancestral home, has a moral obligation to support his second term.
OLT stressed that Governor Adeleke's defection to APC would be counterproductive for both him and President Tinubu.
The group described the move as a political distraction that could upset the fragile balance in Osun's political structure.
They cited four reasons: Adeleke’s unmatched political appeal in Osun; the internal crisis within the state APC; the historic rivalries among top Osun political actors; and the existing bipartisan sentiment among voters in support of both President Tinubu and Governor Adeleke’s re-election.
“To win Osun, Adeleke's brand is a must for the President without dilution,” the group noted.
It also warned that merging the governor with former adversaries within APC could reignite unresolved tensions.
The group recommended a strategic alliance between Adeleke and the Presidency, without a party switch.
“We call on Mr President and the Governor of Osun State to enter into a mutual supportive agreement. Nothing like defection should be included. We speak on behalf of many silent leaders of thought across Osun State,”; the statement concluded.
