Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke confirms his switch as Adeleke Joins Accord Party ahead of the 2026 election, declaring intent for a second term.
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke on Tuesday announced that he had joined the Accord Party over one month ago, confirming the political shift as he prepares to contest for a second term in the 2026 governorship election.
Also read: PDP Crisis Deepens as Umar Sani Accuses Adeleke of Obstruction
The declaration marked the formal end of his years-long association with the Peoples Democratic Party and positioned Adeleke Joins Accord Party as one of the state’s most consequential political developments in recent months.
Governor Adeleke, addressing supporters at the Government House in Osogbo, said his decision followed weeks of consultation with stakeholders across the state.
He explained that he took the step on 6 November to ensure clarity of purpose and stability ahead of the August 8, 2026, election.
He told party members that the Accord Party’s philosophy aligned more closely with his administration’s focus on welfare-driven governance, adding that the move would allow him to consolidate ongoing projects and maintain what he described as a powerful momentum in service delivery.
Adeleke’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed that the governor met all requirements to participate in today’s Accord Party governorship primary in Osogbo.
Accord leaders had earlier pledged to grant him a waiver to contest for the party’s ticket if he opted to join their platform.
In explaining his exit from the PDP, Governor Adeleke cited persistent leadership crises at the national level, which he said made it impossible for the party to provide a coherent structure for the forthcoming election.
His resignation letter, dated 4 November, thanked the PDP for supporting his past electoral victories but stated that he could no longer remain under the troubled umbrella.
The PDP in Osun, reacting to the development, admitted that Adeleke’s departure significantly altered the party’s outlook ahead of the polls.
State chairman Sunday Bisi said the party’s inability to hold its primary on 2 December stemmed from the same leadership dispute that pushed the governor out.
He added that a possible reconciliation before the Independent National Electoral Commission’s 15 December deadline could still reshape the party’s chances.
Meanwhile, Accord Party officials praised Adeleke’s entry, describing it as a major boost for their efforts to strengthen the party’s grassroots presence.
The governor told supporters that Accord was “here to take over Osun governance” and pledged inclusive leadership that prioritises citizens’ welfare.
Also read: Accord Party Invites Adeleke in Bid to Boost Re-election Prospects
As preparations intensify for the 2026 contest, Governor Adeleke’s defection adds to a growing trend of political realignment across Nigeria, in which several state leaders have sought platforms that offer stability and alignment with their governance objectives.
