A youth group in Osun State has raised concerns that the rumored defection of Governor Ademola Adeleke from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) could seriously damage the opposition’s prospects in the upcoming 2026 and 2027 elections.

 

The group, known as Osun Progressives Youth (O-SPY), a faction within the APC with members across the state, argued that Adeleke’s move would cause internal divisions and erode public confidence in the party. They cited the strained relationship between Adeleke and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola—a prominent APC leader who had previously been targeted by the PDP during campaigns.

 

In a statement issued on Monday, the group’s coordinator, Tunmise Ajiboye, claimed that Adeleke’s presence in the APC would bring misfortune rather than strength. He asserted that the governor is widely expected to lose re-election in 2026 and that many citizens are already disillusioned with his administration, which they view as misaligned with progressive ideals.

 

Ajiboye also criticized comparisons between Osun and predominantly PDP states like Delta and Akwa Ibom, emphasizing that Osun is traditionally a stronghold of progressive politics. He pointed out that APC garnered 47.34% of the vote in the last presidential election in Osun, compared to PDP’s 48.85%—a close contest that suggests any perceived betrayal by welcoming Adeleke could drive supporters away.

 

According to O-SPY, allowing Adeleke into the APC could backfire, leading to a drop in support rather than an increase, as it may alienate loyal party members and voters.