The political landscape in Osun State is set for a significant shift as Governor Ademola Adeleke prepares to formally announce his new political affiliation. This move comes shortly after his high-profile resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Definite Timeline for Declaration
According to a key official, the public will not have to wait long to learn of the governor's next move. Kolapo Alimi, the Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, has confirmed that Governor Adeleke will disclose his new political home on or before Saturday, December 13, 2025. Alimi made this revelation during a political programme aired on Rave FM in Osogbo on Tuesday, December 2.
The commissioner explained that the governor had already taken concrete steps towards his exit from the PDP well before the public announcement. Adeleke's resignation letter was dated Tuesday, November 4, and was quietly submitted to the relevant party executives in his Ward II, Sagba Abogunde, Ede North Local Government Area. The official public statement was later issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed.
National Crisis Cited as Primary Reason for Exit
Commissioner Alimi was clear about the catalyst for the governor's defection. He stated that the decision was a direct response to the fractionalisation and persistent crisis at the national level of the PDP. "The governor is happy with the reaction so far, and everybody understands that had it not been the crisis or division at the national level, the governor wouldn’t have defected. It is about facing reality," Alimi said.
He further emphasized that the resignation would have been unnecessary if the party's national structure was united. This sentiment echoes the governor's own stated reason for leaving, as contained in his resignation letter.
Adeleke Joins Growing List of PDP Governor Defections
Governor Adeleke's exit from the PDP places him among a notable group of state chief executives who have left the major opposition party in 2025. Other governors who have previously defected include Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, Peter Mbah of Enugu, and Douye Diri of Bayelsa. This trend signals a significant realignment within Nigeria's political space ahead of the next general election cycle.
The timing of Adeleke's move is particularly strategic, as he is expected to seek re-election in the Osun governorship election scheduled for August 8, 2026. This date was fixed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for one of the country's off-cycle gubernatorial contests. His defection sets the stage for a highly watched electoral battle under a new party banner.
Meanwhile, the PDP in Osun State has already moved forward, selecting Adebayo Olugbenga Adedamola as its governorship candidate for the 2026 election. Adedamola secured the party's ticket by polling 919 votes at a primary held in Osogbo.
As the December 13 deadline approaches, political observers and citizens alike await Governor Adeleke's announcement, which will undoubtedly reshape the dynamics of Osun politics and influence the broader opposition landscape in Nigeria.
