Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, has firmly ruled out the possibility of Governor Ademola Adeleke returning to the All Progressives Congress (APC), stating that the party’s 2026 governorship ticket is not for sale to him or any member of his family.
Owoeye made this declaration during a press conference on Wednesday, in response to growing speculations triggered by Governor Adeleke’s recent visit to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The governor was accompanied on the visit by his elder brother, Deji Adeleke, and popular musician nephew, Davido. The visit, which took place on Tuesday, sparked unease among APC governorship aspirants in Osun State.
“Allaying fears of a possible defection, Owoeye said, ‘APC ticket is not for sale. As of today, we do not see Governor Adeleke as a member of our party. Let me be sincere with you — the APC in Osun remains the party to beat. If not for the fear of the unknown troubling the Adeleke family and the PDP, they wouldn’t be making moves towards our party,’” he stated.
He reiterated the APC’s dominance in the state and emphasized that the party remains united and prepared for the upcoming election.
In a swift reaction, Governor Adeleke’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, dismissed the defection rumours, describing them as fake news. According to him, the governor remains a loyal and committed member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
“The media speculation about likely or imminent defection is false. Governor Adeleke remains a member and leader of the PDP in Osun State. The visit by the Adeleke family to President Tinubu was a routine courtesy call. Any interpretation of it as a defection move is unfounded,” Rasheed clarified in a statement released on Wednesday.
The development highlights ongoing political tensions in Osun ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial race, as both major parties gear up for a heated contest.
