As defections from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) continue to make headlines in Osun State, many grassroots residents have expressed unwavering support for Governor Ademola Adeleke, citing his performance in road construction, healthcare, education, and community development.
Across key towns like Ila, Ife, Iwo, Ilesa, and the state capital Osogbo, the sentiment is the same: Governor Adeleke may face internal political shifts, but on the ground, his influence remains deeply rooted.
In Ila-Orangun, a respected community leader, Pa Adebayo Akinrinmade, said no amount of political realignment would shake their support for the governor.
“Adeleke may not be from Ila, but the impact of his administration is right in front of us,” he said, pointing to an ongoing road rehabilitation project near the town’s central market. “Before now, that road had become a death trap. Today, it’s motorable again.”
According to him, loyalty should not be a matter of political convenience.
“Those who are jumping ship now forget that it was under this same Adeleke they gained political relevance. As for me and my family, we will always support him because he supports the people. As a matter of fact, what the people of the town are saying since on Monday he came to Ila for the flag off of dualisation of our relationship road, is to give him absolute support before, during and even after the 2026 Gubernatorial election.
Another resident, a trader at the palace market Square Ila, Alhaja Mojisola Abdulfatah said since the creation of Osun State, no government thought of dualizing ila township road.
She said: With this dualisation project, ila-Orangun as one of the big towns in Osun, there is nothing of such a worthy road. We have hoped that when completed it would add to the beauty of our native town.
“We are for the Governor and we will make sure we support him to rule the state beyond 2026 so that all his good projects would not be left abandoned”, she physically exited trader said
Moreso in Ife, a resident of Opa, Miss Folake Ojo, described the governor’s grassroots approach as a “rare kind of leadership” that is people-focused and inclusive.
“Look around Ife – from rural electrification to renovation of primary healthcare centres, and the ongoing flyover project at Lagere, we are seeing results. Adeleke listens to the people, not just the politicians,” she noted.
She said the decamping trend is “more about ambition than conviction.”
“People are aligning where they believe their personal interests will thrive. But those of us who feel the direct impact of government interventions know better. Governor Adeleke still has our vote.”
For Mr. Olufemi Adediran, a retired school principal and vocal community advocate in Ilesa, the situation is personal.
“They spent twelve years in government, including our own son who is from this town. Yet, what Adeleke has done in just two years is more visible,” he said.
He cited the renovation of dilapidated classroom blocks in several public schools and the rehabilitation of major access roads in the town and dualisation of the road that links the palace to the Akure expressway as proof.
“I’m not one to speak against anyone, but facts are facts. Stakeholders may try to pull out of PDP, but those of us who have seen development under this government won’t be swayed.”
He added that it is unfortunate that some politicians are “biting the hand that once fed them.”
“These are people whose political careers were built and supported under the same Adeleke-led PDP. Now they’re turning against him when he’s doing the real work.”
In Osogbo, the political heartbeat of the state, two residents said that party defections will not deter their loyalty to the governor.
Mrs. Bilqis Lawal, a goat trader at “Oja Oba” area, said the governor has completed road projects that have been abandoned for years.
“That Oke-Fia Flyover was once just a talking point. What of the one ongoing at Lameko? Adeleke completed the beautification and connected other adjoining roads that have reduced traffic,” she said. “Even if he moves to another party, we will follow him. We’re not supporting party names, we’re supporting performance.”
Another resident of Osogbo, Tunde Ajeigbe, said the governor’s intervention in Osun’s ICT sector and digital empowerment programs have benefited young people in the capital.
“Adeleke is one of the first governors to prioritize tech hubs and digital skills training. I personally benefited from one of those programs. That’s the kind of leadership we need, not recycled slogans.”
He expressed concern that political distractions could hinder the momentum.
“People are decamping, but it’s not out of public dissatisfaction. It’s elite politics. Out here, Adeleke’s popularity remains intact.”
