ADC Osun Dismisses Defection Drama

Party Leadership Clarifies: Adeoti’s Solo Exit

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), Osun State Chapter, has firmly dismissed claims that former Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Moshood Adeoti’s recent defection to the Accord Party weakened the party structure.

No Executives Followed

According to a statement from State Chairman Dr. Charles Idowu Omidiji, Adeoti departed alone without taking any State, Local Government, or Ward Party Executives with him. The party characterized his move as “ill-advised, parochial, and unfortunate,” emphasizing that he left “like a cathedral without a single congregation.”

This powerful imagery underscores the ADC’s position that Adeoti’s departure was a personal decision that has not eroded the party’s organizational strength or grassroots support.

Debunking the Defection Rumors

Rumors circulating that ADC executives collaborated with Adeoti in his negotiations and defection have been categorically rejected as baseless and misleading.

A “Mirage” to Confuse the Public

Party leadership stressed that such claims represent a “mirage” designed to confuse the public about the party’s internal stability and cohesion. The ADC maintains that its executive structure at state, local government, and ward levels remains intact and fully committed to the party’s 2026 electoral objectives.

The statement appears aimed at both reassuring party faithful and countering any opposition narrative that might seek to portray the ADC as fractured or weakened heading into the gubernatorial election.

“Unshakable” Support for Najeem Salaam

Following an extended meeting of state, local government, and ward executives, the ADC has reaffirmed its unwavering support for gubernatorial candidate Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam, known as “Iwaloye.”

Confidence in Leadership Capacity

The party expressed strong confidence in Salaam’s leadership capacity and declared that members remain “unshakable” in their commitment to electoral victory in the 2026 gubernatorial election scheduled for August 8.

This united front comes at a crucial time as the party seeks to consolidate its base and present a cohesive message to Osun State voters ahead of what promises to be a competitive race.

Looking Ahead: Grassroots Mobilization for 2026

The ADC remains committed to mobilizing its grassroots base and promoting policies that resonate with Osun State voters.

A Call to Action

Party leadership has called on members and the general public to:

• Stay informed about party activities and campaign developments
• Remain steadfast as campaign preparations intensify
• Rally behind the ADC candidate on a platform anchored by integrity, unity, and the collective interests of the people

The Path to August 8, 2026

With approximately 18 months until the gubernatorial election, the ADC appears focused on turning the Adeoti defection narrative into an opportunity to demonstrate party unity and organizational strength. By emphasizing that no executives defected and reaffirming support for Najeem Salaam, the party is signaling its readiness for the electoral battle ahead.

Summary

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Osun State has firmly rejected claims that former Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Moshood Adeoti’s defection to the Accord Party has weakened the party. In a strongly-worded statement, State Chairman Dr. Charles Idowu Omidiji clarified that Adeoti departed alone—without a single state, local government, or ward executive following him. The party described his exit as “ill-advised, parochial, and unfortunate,” likening it to “a cathedral without a single congregation.”

Following an extended meeting of party executives at all levels, the ADC has reaffirmed its unwavering support for gubernatorial candidate Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam (“Iwaloye”) ahead of the August 8, 2026 election. Party leadership dismissed rumors of executive collaboration with Adeoti’s defection as “baseless mirage” and declared members remain “unshakable” in their commitment to electoral victory.

Key Takeaways

• Adeoti left alone: No ADC executives at any level defected with the former SSG
• “Cathedral without congregation”: ADC’s vivid description of Adeoti’s solo departure
• Rumors debunked: Claims of executive collaboration with defection dismissed as “baseless mirage”
• Unified behind Salaam: Party reaffirms “unshakable” support for Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam (“Iwaloye”)
• August 8, 2026: Election date for the gubernatorial race
• Grassroots focus: ADC emphasizes mobilization and voter engagement strategy
• Platform pillars: Integrity, unity, and collective interests of the people

What This Means for Osun Politics

The ADC’s swift and emphatic response to Adeoti’s defection suggests the party is keenly aware of the potential political damage such departures can inflict if left unchallenged. By immediately clarifying that the defection was individual rather than collective, the party seeks to:

1. Prevent erosion of confidence among party members and supporters
2. Counter opposition narratives about ADC weakness or disunity
3. Reassure potential allies that the party structure remains solid
4. Project strength heading into a critical election cycle

Whether this messaging successfully insulates the ADC from any political fallout from Adeoti’s departure will likely become clearer as campaign season intensifies in 2026.

Analysis: The “Cathedral Without Congregation” Strategy

The ADC’s choice of metaphor—”a cathedral without a single congregation”—is particularly striking. It serves multiple purposes:

• Minimizes the defector’s impact by suggesting he carried no followers
• Implies isolation of the departed individual
• Reinforces party cohesion by emphasizing that the “congregation” stayed
• Provides a memorable soundbite for media coverage

This type of vivid, dismissive language is common in political responses to defections, designed to simultaneously diminish the departing figure while rallying remaining members.

The Road to 2026: What to Watch

As Osun State approaches its 2026 gubernatorial election, several factors will determine whether the ADC’s confident stance proves justified:

1. Grassroots mobilization effectiveness: Can the party translate executive unity into voter enthusiasm?
2. Najeem Salaam’s campaign performance: Will “Iwaloye” prove the compelling candidate the party believes he is?
3. Opposition response: How will rival parties, including Adeoti’s new Accord Party, position themselves?
4. Defection domino effect: Will others follow Adeoti, or was this truly an isolated departure?
5. Policy platform clarity: Can the ADC articulate a vision that resonates with voters beyond party loyalty?

Statement Issued By:
Dr. Charles Idowu Omidiji
State Chairman, African Democratic Congress (ADC)
Osun State Chapter