The Osun Leaders of Thought (OLT), a prominent political interest group, has advised Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke against defecting from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement issued on Friday, April 25, 2025, and signed by its Public Affairs Chief, Adesola Adigun, the group urged Adeleke to remain in the PDP while supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
The OLT cautioned that mounting pressure on Adeleke to join the APC is “ill-advised and unnecessary,” warning that such a move could destabilize both Osun’s and Nigeria’s political alignments. “The Governor should remain in PDP and continue the good work he is doing for the good people of Osun State,” the statement read. The group emphasized that Adeleke’s defection would be counterproductive, potentially disrupting the fragile political balance in Osun.
Highlighting four key reasons to oppose the defection, the OLT cited Adeleke’s unmatched popularity in Osun, the internal crisis within the state APC, historical rivalries among key political figures, and the bipartisan voter sentiment supporting both Adeleke’s and Tinubu’s re-elections. “To win Osun, Adeleke’s brand is a must for the President without dilution,” the group noted, suggesting that Adeleke’s political capital is essential for Tinubu’s success in the state without requiring a party switch.
The OLT also warned that merging Adeleke with former adversaries in the APC, such as ex-Governor Gboyega Oyetola, could reignite unresolved tensions, further complicating the state’s political landscape. Instead, the group proposed a strategic alliance between Adeleke and the Presidency. “We call on Mr President and the Governor of Osun State to enter into a mutual supportive agreement. Nothing like defection should be included,” the statement concluded.
Expressing regional loyalty, the OLT underscored Osun’s moral obligation to support Tinubu, a native son, for a second term, describing it as a matter of ancestral pride. This sentiment aligns with their earlier campaigns, including the controversial “Continuity of Progress” billboards pairing Tinubu and Adeleke, which sparked debates with the Osun APC in April 2025.
The OLT’s stance reflects a broader effort to maintain political stability in Osun while navigating the complex dynamics between state and federal leadership. By advocating for a PDP-Tinubu alliance, the group seeks to leverage Adeleke’s strong local support to bolster Tinubu’s 2027 prospects without altering party affiliations, a strategy they believe serves both Osun’s and Nigeria’s interests.
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