By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has again refuted claims that he is joining the African Democratic Congress, ADC, reiterating that he is staying in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

In a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed on Wednesday, he said some people, who were scared of his popularity, were behind the rumour to confuse the populace.

He reiterated his decision that he is staying to contest the 2026 governorship election in the PDP and the party is already mobilising people to ensure that the re-election becomes reality.

He urged the public to disregard the news, describing it as fake, adding that any report linking Governor Adeleke to defection into any party was a lie.

It reads, “Our attention has been drawn to a report that Governor Ademola Adeleke is planning to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The report is not only untrue but a calculated attempt by those afraid of the Governor’s soaring acceptability to create confusions and uncertainty in the minds of the people of Osun state.

“We want to reiterate for the umpteenth time that Governor Adeleke remains committed to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and has no plan whatsoever to join the ADC or any party for that matter.

“Governor Adeleke’s pre-occupation at the moment is the continued delivery of dividends of democracy to Osun people who resoundingly gave him their mandates three years ago.

“Even more, Governor Adeleke and leaders in the PDP have been focused on galvanising the structures of the party for the ongoing voters’ registration ahead of next year’s election, which he is well positioned to win.

“We therefore urge the public to discountenance any report linking Governor Adeleke with a defection move as such is entirely false.

“As a man of the people, Governor Adeleke recognises the overwhelming goodwill and confidence that Osun people have in the PDP and his leadership. His Excellency is not and will go against the will of the people.”