Adeleke defends Accord Party defection, citing personal security and continuity in Osun State development as key reasons for his move
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday defended his decision to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party to the Accord Party, describing the move as essential for safeguarding his personal security and ensuring the stability of the state.
Also read: Adeleke Secures Accord Ticket in Decisive Primary Victory
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Adeleke emphasised that he continues to hold the PDP in high regard but prioritised continuity in Osun’s development.
“It’s not true that I abandoned PDP. I love PDP, but I have to protect myself. I have to make sure I protect my state because of the good work we’ve been doing so that we can continue,” he said.
Adeleke formally joined the Accord Party on Tuesday, following his resignation from the PDP the platform on which he won the 2022 governorship election.
He secured the Accord Party governorship ticket on Wednesday and is set to face candidates from the All Progressives Congress, PDP, and the African Democratic Party in what observers expect to be a decisive contest for his political future.
Addressing concerns that contesting under a less popular party could affect his re-election chances, Adeleke expressed confidence that his performance in office would earn him a second term in the 2026 governorship election.
He argued that residents of Osun are “wiser” and can distinguish between “good governance and bad governance,” suggesting that the election would ultimately be decided by candidates rather than party affiliations.
“Osun people are wiser. They know the difference between good governance and bad governance, and they have decided to toe the Imole path; it is me they are talking about. We are not even talking about parties right now; the party is just the platform. And when they compare the records of what my predecessor has done with my own records, they have suffered a lot in terms of unpaid salary. I came in, I brought hope, I brought light to Osun State. So, my records, first of all, will speak for themselves,” Adeleke said.
He also addressed fears regarding “federal might,” noting that he previously won the 2022 governorship election while in the opposition and anticipates a similar outcome in 2026.
“Well, I believe our president is a democrat. He’s been in this position [opposition] before. When he was in opposition, I learned a lot from him, too. He stood his ground, despite being in opposition, and he still won. So why can’t I do that? I was in the opposition when I won last time, and it’s not going to be different,” he added.
Also read: Adeleke Makes Bold Move, Joins Accord Party for Re-election
Adeleke concluded that voters would ultimately determine the outcome, expressing confidence that his track record and the desire for continuity would secure his return to office.
