Osun 2026 Governorship: Adeleke Will Once Again Defeat Oyetola If He Becomes APC Candidate – Political Aide Declares

Adeleke’s Adviser Labels Oyetola the “Weakest Opponent” Ahead of 2026 Polls

Muniru Raji, the Special Adviser on Political Matters to Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed the chances of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola in the upcoming 2026 gubernatorial election, branding him as the least formidable opponent for the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun.

Speaking during a recent episode of Lero Temi, a popular podcast in Osogbo, Raji stated that if the All Progressives Congress (APC) fields Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, he would suffer another decisive defeat at the hands of Adeleke.

This remark comes in the context of recent developments surrounding Adeleke’s alleged defection and the Osun State PDP’s unexpected show of support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.

“Oyetola is the easiest opponent to defeat in any governorship race. Should the APC present him again, Governor Adeleke will defeat him convincingly, just as he did in 2022,” Raji affirmed.

No Plans for Defection – Adeleke Committed to PDP

Raji further clarified that Governor Adeleke has no intention of leaving the PDP, regardless of the ongoing political realignments in Osun. He highlighted the reality of frequent defections in Nigerian politics and pointed out that when Adeleke took office, every elected official was from the APC, not the PDP.

“Defections happen all the time. But at the time Governor Adeleke assumed office, all elected public officials in Osun were APC members,” he said.

He also emphasized that the loyalty of voters carries more weight than the actions of elected officials who may defect, adding that Adeleke still enjoys the strong backing of the grassroots.

“Officeholders are not as significant as the voters. Since 2018, Adeleke has enjoyed unwavering support from the people, and that hasn’t changed going into 2026.”

Adeleke to Run for Re-Election on PDP Platform

Confirming that Adeleke will indeed contest again under the PDP, Raji dismissed speculation about internal strife within the party’s national leadership, particularly the dispute over the National Secretary’s position.

“The issue involving the PDP National Secretary has been resolved. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has affirmed its position, and Adeleke remains with the PDP.”

Rumors of APC Meetings Debunked

Raji also rejected the claims that Governor Adeleke held meetings with APC stakeholders, reiterating that no such conversations took place.

“Governor Adeleke has not met with any APC members, contrary to what’s being speculated.”

However, in a surprising twist, Raji noted that both Adeleke and the Osun PDP would back President Bola Tinubu’s second-term bid in 2027, not out of party loyalty, but due to ethnic solidarity and political strategy.

“Adeleke and the PDP in Osun will support President Tinubu’s re-election in 2027. His support from the North is diminishing, and we’re standing with him because he is a Yoruba son from the South.”