Amid a wave of high-profile defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and Abia State Governor Alex Otti have both strongly denied rumours linking them to possible defection to the All Progressives Congress (APC). The governors affirmed their loyalty to their respective parties — PDP and Labour Party — despite political turbulence.
- Governor Adeleke (PDP - Osun) called defection claims “fake news,” affirming his loyalty to the PDP during a closed-door meeting with party stalwarts in Osogbo.
- Governor Otti (LP - Abia) dismissed talks of joining APC, saying he's “closer to the centre than some of them,” referencing the defection of former Delta State Governors Ifeanyi Okowa and Sheriff Oborevwori.
- Otti emphasized democratic plurality, noting even President Tinubu stayed with the opposition before merging into the APC.
- Both denials come in the wake of a mass defection by Delta PDP leaders to the APC, triggering speculation about further political realignments ahead of 2027.
This political season has seen increasing tension within opposition ranks, particularly the PDP, where Delta State’s recent shift to the APC has rattled the party’s structure. Adeleke’s reaffirmation is likely aimed at consolidating loyalty in Osun, especially after high-level decampees like Oyinlola became visibly involved. Otti, on the other hand, used a media platform to carefully navigate growing uncertainties in the Labour Party while reaffirming ideological independence from the APC.
Interestingly, Otti’s comment — “I am not God... I cannot say if there’s no LP tomorrow” — shows subtle awareness of his party’s fragility, even as he outwardly rejects the idea of decamping.
With the 2027 elections inching closer, the defection chessboard is being redrawn. While PDP and LP try to retain their strongest voices, Adeleke and Otti’s public stances are strategic — reinforcing internal loyalty, calming speculation, and sending a signal to Abuja: not all roads to the centre run through the APC.
