Ademola Adeleke, the Governor of Osun State, emphatically rejected speculation about his potential defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during a strategic meeting with party leaders on Thursday night.

Adeleke reaffirmed his loyalty to the PDP, characterizing the rumors as baseless “fake news.”

“My people, party elders and chiefs, I declare before you today that I am not defecting to the APC or any other political party,” he stated firmly. “I remain in the PDP. Ignore any fake news.”

His declaration comes at a time when several prominent figures have recently left the party, adding to the tension within the political landscape.

The closed-door meeting took place at the Banquet Hall of the government house and featured influential PDP members, including Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a former governor of Osun, who addressed the gathering virtually.

Wale Oladipo, chairman of the Imole Movement, emphasized that the PDP continues to be a bastion for those committed to the welfare of Osun’s citizens.

Oluwole Alabi, the PDP’s governorship candidate in 1999 and a member of the party’s board of trustees, along with Lasun Yusuf, former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, hailed the PDP as a crucial vehicle for development and human empowerment.

Akanni Olohunwa, a member of the House of Representatives, highlighted the “positive transformation occurring in Osun under the PDP’s leadership,” expressing confidence in the party’s future electoral prospects.

Sunday Bisi, the Osun PDP chairman, coordinated the meeting, which was also attended by Adewale Egbedun, speaker of the House of Assembly, and various other legislative members.