Ogunwale Defects to ADC, Accuses PDP of Betraying Atiku’s Mandate

Ogunwale Defects to ADC, Accuses PDP of Betraying Atiku’s Mandate

 

 

Senator Felix Ogunwale, a senior chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has formally announced his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the coalition party, citing his unwavering loyalty to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Ogunwale also accused the PDP of undermining the party’s collective mandate in Osun State, raising fresh questions about the stability of political alliances ahead of the 2027 elections.

 

Ogunwale, who represented Osun Central Senatorial District in the Senate between 2003 and 2007, officially resigned from the PDP in May at Ward 01, Iragbiji, signaling a shift in the political landscape of the state.

 

Speaking on a local radio program in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, on Monday, which was closely monitored by a Patriotic Insights News reporter, Ogunwale explained that his defection was not merely personal but a principled stance in support of Atiku Abubakar’s presidential ambitions.

 

“When rumours surfaced that Governor Ademola Adeleke might join the ADC, I immediately knew it would not be feasible. Adeleke had already pledged his support for President Bola Tinubu, while the ADC has its own presidential candidate. His joining our party would not have aligned with our political objectives,” Ogunwale said.

 

He continued, “I left the PDP because I wanted to follow Atiku Abubakar to the ADC. Atiku is my leader, and I will always respect his opinion politically before taking any action. I also recognized that the Osun State government might not be ready to decamp to the ADC.”

 

Political analysts in Osun State say Ogunwale’s move is emblematic of deeper realignments within the state’s political parties. With the 2027 elections looming, defections and coalition shifts have intensified, as politicians position themselves around presidential and gubernatorial ambitions.

 

“The defection of prominent figures like Ogunwale demonstrates the growing appeal of the ADC in Osun State,” said one political commentator who spoke on condition of anonymity. “It also underscores the PDP’s internal challenges, especially in managing loyalty and consensus among its ranks.”

 

Ogunwale’s declaration is expected to influence the strategies of other key political actors in Osun, particularly as the state’s electorate watches closely for signs of unity or fragmentation among its political elites. Observers note that his alignment with Atiku Abubakar could energize the ADC’s grassroots mobilization in the state, providing a counterweight to the PDP and ruling party’s influence.