The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has announced its decision to support Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second-term ambition, even though he is no longer a member of the party.

Chairman of the PDP in the state, Sunday Bisi, disclosed that the party’s entire structure would work for Adeleke’s re-election in the August 8, 2026, governorship election, which he will contest on the platform of the Accord Party.

Governor Adeleke recently resigned from the PDP and secured the Accord Party’s governorship ticket ahead of the poll.
Speaking in an interview in Osogbo, Bisi clarified that he had not defected from the PDP and would not be joining the governor in his new party.

He maintained that he remains the state chairman of the PDP, with his tenure running until 2027.

According to him, the party has already endorsed Adeleke for a second term, stressing that the governor enjoys the backing of PDP stakeholders across the state.

“I have not decamped to any political party. I am still the PDP chairman in Osun State, and my tenure subsists till 2027.”

“However, the entire PDP structure in Osun is solidly behind Governor Ademola Adeleke. We have endorsed him for a second term, and we will ensure he wins convincingly,” Bisi said.

When asked about the PDP’s governorship candidate, Adebayo Adedamola (FRYO), Bisi played down his candidacy, insisting that the party’s focus was on securing Adeleke’s victory under the Accord Party platform.

Reacting to concerns that his position could be viewed as anti-party activity, Bisi dismissed such fears, arguing that similar political alignments had occurred in the past without sanctions.

“There is nothing like anti-party in what we are doing. This is not new in Nigerian politics.”

“There have been instances where parties supported candidates from other platforms without issues. So, we are not doing anything unusual,” he said.

Meanwhile, former Osun State governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has distanced himself from Adeleke’s defection, reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP.

Oyinlola spoke at the second matriculation ceremony of Alolade Oyinlola College of Health Sciences and Information Technology in Okuku, where about 90 students were admitted.

He stated that he has no intention of leaving the PDP, adding that Adeleke’s political decision would not influence his own stance.

“I will not leave the PDP unless it goes into extinction. I am not following Demola to Accord. At my age, I cannot be pushed around. I am gradually withdrawing from active politics. I will be 75 in February,” he said.

The Presidential Coalition Council (PCC) has officially kicked off a nationwide campaign in Ibadan, Oyo State, to rally support for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.

The coalition emphasized that a second term would allow for the continuation and consolidation of the far-reaching reforms initiated by his administration.

The launch, held at Christ Apostolic Church Grammar School, Adesola, Ibadan, featured a sensitisation programme on the policies and achievements of the Tinubu administration.

Speaking on behalf of the PCC, National Coordinator Abiodun Faleke urged Nigerians to actively participate in grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 polls.

“The President assures you that there is no cause for fear ahead of 2027. The APC will emerge victorious at both the national and state levels. Keep your Permanent Voter’s Cards safe, and if you do not have one, register immediately.”

“Without your voter’s card, mobilisation efforts will amount to nothing,” Faleke relayed on behalf of Tinubu.

Highlighting the strategic importance of Ibadan, Abdullah Enilolobo of the PCC team from Abuja explained that the city accounts for nearly half of Oyo State’s votes, making it a critical starting point for the campaign.

Enilolobo also praised the administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the floating of the naira, and the introduction of a new tax regime, describing them as necessary measures that helped stabilise the nation.

He urged party members to work collectively to secure victories in both the Oyo State governorship election and the 2027 presidential poll.

The event was supported by APC leaders and stakeholders from across Nigeria, including Ayo Bakare, who organised the launch and sensitisation programme using personal resources.

Several PCC members from Abuja and APC stalwarts in Oyo State, such as Mufutau Adisa, Abu Gbadamosi, Shittu Ibrahim, and Musbau Azeez, were also in attendance.

Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Dr. Najeem Salaam, has been confirmed as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate for the 2026 Osun State governorship election.

DAILY GAZETTE correspondent reports that Salaam won the party’s ticket during the ADC primary held at the Ultimate Civic Centre in Osogbo on Monday.

According to Mr. Emeka Nwajiuba, Chairman of the ADC 2026 Primary Election Committee, Salaam was the sole aspirant for the governorship position.

“The screening process and information from the ADC Organising Secretary’s Office confirm that Salaam is the only aspirant vying for the party’s ticket,” he stated.

A total of 528 delegates from the 332 wards of Osun State participated in the primary, casting their votes.

Out of these, 520 were valid votes in favour of Salaam, while eight were declared void.

“By the authority vested in this panel under the ADC constitution, I hereby announce Dr. Najeem Salaam as the candidate-elect and flag bearer of our party for the 2026 Osun governorship election,” Nwajiuba declared.

In his acceptance speech, Salaam expressed gratitude to the ADC leadership and members for their trust.

“I accept this mandate with a deep sense of responsibility. I accept it with hope, because our people still believe, and I accept it with prayer, knowing the challenges ahead are real,” he said.

Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State is set to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The governor’s Political Adviser, Istifanus Nwansat, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja, explaining that the decision was driven by the deepening crisis within the PDP.

He said the internal turmoil in the opposition party has made it an unreliable platform for political actors seeking stability ahead of future elections.

Nwansat noted that after weighing all available options, the governor and his team concluded that joining the APC posed the least political risk.

He added that the move would also position Plateau State in alignment with the political direction and governance agenda of President Bola Tinubu.

According to him, the governor believes it is in the best interest of the state to align more closely with the Federal Government, especially in view of ongoing national reforms.

He stressed that while Muftwang remains appreciative of the PDP, the prevailing circumstances within the party have made continued membership impractical.

“This decision is based on our assessment of the political environment. Given the uncertainty within the PDP, moving to the APC is the safest option with the least risk,” Nwansat said, adding that the governor sees the alignment with the President as a responsible step for leadership and development.

Meanwhile, the Senator representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, Adeniyi Adegbonmire, has declared that there is currently no formidable opposition capable of unseating President Tinubu in the 2027 general election.

He described the APC as firmly positioned ahead of future polls, insisting that supporters of the President are already mobilising nationwide to secure his re-election.

Adegbonmire made the remarks during the Renewed Hope Mega Empowerment programme in Ondo Central, where about 900 beneficiaries received various forms of support.

He said the initiative was part of efforts to strengthen grassroots backing for both the President and the APC, which he described as Nigeria’s most viable political platform.