By Erewunmi Peace

Osogbo, Nigeria — Amid swirling rumors of a potential political defection, the Acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ali Bukar Dalori, has urged Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke to cease the alleged “social media decamping” and follow official procedures if he truly intends to join the party.

Dalori’s remarks, which surfaced through party insiders, come days after unverified online reports suggested that Governor Adeleke may be planning to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC. While no formal defection has been announced, political observers believe the governor’s recent public gestures have raised eyebrows within both camps.

“Politics is not played on social media. If Governor Adeleke is truly considering joining our party, he knows the proper channels. We won’t entertain political drama in the digital space,” Dalori reportedly said, according to party insiders familiar with the matter.

However, Governor Adeleke’s media team swiftly denied the defection claims. In an official statement released on July 5, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to the PDP and the five-point development agenda his administration is pursuing in Osun State.

“I remain a loyal member of the PDP. The rumours of defection are baseless and politically motivated,” Governor Adeleke stated.

Sources within both the PDP and APC have confirmed that discussions may be ongoing behind closed doors, but no formal application or request for defection has been submitted to the APC’s national secretariat.

Political analysts suggest that the rumors may be part of a broader strategy ahead of the 2026 general elections, as parties begin realigning forces across key states.

For now, Osun State remains under PDP leadership, and any shift in political allegiance by the governor will likely shape the future dynamics in the South-West geopolitical zone.