Former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, has criticised Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke over speculations that he is planning to defect to the APC, describing the move as “desperate” and lacking proper engagement.

Speaking during an interview with Channels Television, Omisore said the APC is not an open market and that any serious defection must begin with consultations at the grassroots level of the party.

“A party is not a place where you just walk in without due process. You don’t force yourself into a party; you must come home and talk to the people,” Omisore stated. “If a governor or any political figure wants to join our party, they should follow the right channel. The national and state leadership must be involved.”

Omisore dismissed the idea that Adeleke’s interest in the APC carries political weight, arguing that the party had gained more momentum in Osun in recent years than the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where Adeleke currently belongs. He cited several PDP leaders who have defected to the APC, asserting that the PDP structure in Osun is gradually collapsing.

He noted that Adeleke has reportedly met with key figures in Abuja, including President Bola Tinubu, but stated that these moves appear to be individual efforts lacking the party’s broader backing.

“I have not seen a situation where a government is struggling to join another party. If your party is strong and your house is in order, why the pressure to jump ship?” he queried.

Omisore further suggested that Adeleke’s administration may be facing internal crises within the PDP, including a lack of clear leadership and uncertainty over ticket allocations ahead of future elections. According to him, such desperation may be fuelling the governor’s alleged attempts to switch allegiance.

“There is no PDP structure left in Osun. Many of their leaders have already moved to the APC. So it looks like Adeleke is only looking for where to stay,” Omisore added.

He also responded to suggestions that Adeleke is doing well in governance, saying while some citizens might be pleased with his populist style, governance requires more than entertainment.

“People say he dances and they like it, but leadership is more than that. Political strength comes from structure, popularity, and delivery—and that’s what APC represents,” he said.

Omisore concluded that if Adeleke genuinely wishes to defect, the APC expects a transparent process, rooted in party consultations and respect for the leadership at all levels. “You don’t join a house through the window; you come in through the front door, and with respect,” he said.