Ademola Adeleke, Governor of Nigeria’s Osun State, has firmly dismissed rumors of abandoning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the political platform on which he was elected, declaring his unwavering commitment to both the party and his governance agenda. The statement came during a public address on Monday following the launch of a highway expansion project in Ila-Orangun, a town in southwestern Nigeria.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony for the 3.5-kilometer Ila township road upgrade, Adeleke emphasized his administration’s focus on infrastructure development despite “lingering uncertainties” — an apparent nod to broader national challenges. He reiterated a pledge to prioritize public service, stating, “I vowed to God and the people of Osun to serve them without distraction. This promise remains sacred.”
Highlighting progress, the governor disclosed that his administration has revamped over 175 kilometers of roads since taking office, with multiple major projects, including flyovers and highway expansions, nearing completion. A key priority is the dualization of the 39-kilometer Osogbo–Ikirun–Inisha–Okuku–Ijabe corridor, which connects Osun to neighboring Kwara State. The project’s second phase, launched at the event, aims to match the length of roadwork completed over the prior 12 years — a timeline Adeleke vowed to condense into 12 months.
Addressing speculation about his political future, he asserted, “I was elected under the PDP banner, and here I will stay. I’m not going anywhere.” The governor framed the infrastructure initiatives as part of a divinely guided vision for progress, stating, “Our gathering here signifies a new era. We are destined to fulfill our roles in shaping what is to come.”
The road projects, concentrated in rural and urban hubs, aim to improve regional connectivity and commerce, addressing longstanding transportation bottlenecks in a state where infrastructure deficits have hampered economic growth. Analysts suggest Adeleke’s dual emphasis on development and party loyalty seeks to solidify his standing amid Nigeria’s fluid political landscape, where defections among elected officials are not uncommon.
While the governor did not elaborate on the nature of the “uncertainties” referenced, his remarks underscore efforts to project stability amid national challenges ranging from economic pressures to security concerns. With Infrastructure often serving as a cornerstone of political credibility in Nigeria, Adeleke’s narrative leans heavily on tangible deliverables — a strategy likely to resonate with constituents ahead of future electoral cycles.
