Osun Governorship: Adeleke Defects to Accord Party Ahead of 2026 Election

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party, setting the stage for his re-election bid in the 2026 governorship election. The announcement comes less than 24 hours before the Accord Party’s governorship primary scheduled for Wednesday.

The governor made the declaration on Tuesday at a high-profile event inside the Government House Banquet Hall, Osogbo, attended by national and state executives of the Accord Party, top government officials, and supporters—all sporting branded party caps and insignia.

According to Adeleke, he officially joined the Accord Party on November 6, 2025, after several weeks of consultations with political stakeholders, opinion leaders, and grassroots structures across Osun State.

A statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed that the governor’s realignment was widely anticipated among political actors within the state.

“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare,” Adeleke said.

He emphasized that welfare-driven governance remains the core philosophy of his administration, adding that the Accord Party reflects the values he intends to advance as he seeks a second term in office.

The high-level event signaled Adeleke’s formal adoption of the Accord Party as his new political platform. Senior government aides had already hinted at the move earlier in the day by switching their social media display images and statuses to Accord Party symbols. One of the governor’s media aides, Oladele Bamiji, shared the party’s logo with the caption: “Imole Till 2030.”

Addressing party leaders and supporters, Adeleke reiterated the need for unity and cooperation as preparations for the 2026 election intensify.

“We are united in progress and good intentions for the good people of Osun State and Nigeria at large,” he noted.

The governor urged members of the Accord Party to maintain strong cohesion, avoid internal divisions, and work collectively toward electoral victory.

Reflecting on his new political home, Adeleke said he has found encouragement in the Accord Party’s strong ideological stance.

“The focus on people’s welfare should always be at the heart of public leadership. The primary essence of government is the welfare and well-being of the people,” he said.

Adeleke affirmed that his administration will continue prioritizing policies and programmes aimed at enhancing the welfare of Osun residents—across healthcare, education, workers’ benefits, and community development.

Presenting the Accord Party as the new political vehicle for his government and supporters, the governor issued a statewide call for alignment: “From Igbomina to Ijeshaland, Ifeland, Osogbo, Iwoland, Modakeke, Gbongan, Igbajo, Ikire, Ikirun, Ede and beyond, this is our party, our new platform for victory come August next year.”

He concluded with a formal declaration of his defection: “In accordance with the will of our stakeholders and in deep respect for the wishes of Osun people, I hereby declare for the Accord Party.”