Gov Adeleke finally breaks silence over reports linking him with defection away from PDP
Gov Adeleke finally breaks silence over reports linking him with defection away from PDP
With key road infrastructure projects gaining momentum across Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke is signalling a clear strategy ahead of the 2026 governorship election: deliver big and fast.
On Monday, Adeleke flagged off the dualisation of the 3.5km Ila township road in Ila-Orangun, one of several major projects launched under his administration.
He also inaugurated the second phase of the 39km Osogbo-Ikirun-Inisha-Okuku-Ijabe-Ila Odo expressway — a strategic route connecting Osun to Kwara State.
Speaking at the events, the governor made no secret of his ambitions. “We are determined to deliver what others could not in 12 years, and we aim to do it in just 12 months,” he said, in what appeared to be a subtle swipe at the opposition.
The governor’s push to fast-track legacy projects is being interpreted by analysts as an effort to cement his performance credentials and counter growing criticism, especially from within the All Progressives Congress (APC).
His administration claims to have completed over 175 kilometers of roadworks since taking office, with multiple flyovers and dualisation projects ongoing — a pace meant to define his leadership as both responsive and result-driven.
While in Ikirun for the dualisation of Ikirun-Ila-Odo express road, the governor said: “It is believed that the completion of the dualization of Osogbo-Ikirun-Inisha-Okuku-Ijabe and finally Ila Odo, which is the boundary town with our neighbouring Kwara State, a total length of 39km is of paramount importance to this administration, and I am committed to the completion of this project by the grace of God.
“The second phase, which we are flagging off today, is almost the same length as what was completed in 12 years. By the grace of God, we intend to deliver this project within 12months.
“Our gathering here to witness the materialisation of a new era is not an accident of history. We are all programmed by Almighty God to be what we have been, what we are and what we will be in future.”
Meanwhile, Bola Oyebamiji, Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA) and a governorship aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, has expressed confidence that the electorate will reject Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid due to alleged mismanagement of the state’s resources.
According to Oyebamiji, Osun State has received over 300 percent more in federal allocations over the past 30 months compared to previous periods, yet the current administration has failed to translate the windfall into visible development.
Speaking during a visit to the Ijesa-North federal constituency, he also addressed rumours of Adeleke’s possible defection to the APC, urging party supporters to stay calm and focused ahead of the next election cycle.
He said: “Though our leader, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, is coming to tell you everything as regards the defection rumour of Governor Ademola Adeleke into our revered party – APC, he sent me to tell you that there is no cause for alarm. He asked me to let you know that there is nothing to fear. Our leaders are in charge and no reason to panic. The leaders are in control. No one will reap the fruit of your labour.
“As regards the councils’ imbroglio, our Minister is doing excellently well to ensure that justice prevails no matter whose ox is gored. Our councils are in the control of our elected chairmen and councillors and by the grace of God, they will be in the control till we return to government in 2026.”
