The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, has formally defected to the Accord Party just days after resigning his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The defection marks a significant realignment in the state’s political landscape ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
The governor announced his defection on Tuesday evening through a personal statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) handle.
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“Today, we unveiled the Accord Party, our new platform for the good people of Osun State. From Osun West to Osun East to Osun Central, this is our party, our new platform for victory come August next year,” he wrote.
Adeleke described the move as essential to sustaining his administration’s delivery of good governance and democratic dividends, which he said have attracted commendation both within Nigeria and internationally.
He emphasised that the party’s ideology of welfarism perfectly mirrors his government’s focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare.
“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare. Since I joined, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party. The primary essence of government is the welfare and well-being of the people,” the governor stated.
He extended a warm welcome to the national leadership of Accord, stressing the need for unity as the party prepares for future elections.
“Our task is to sustain a united front as we prepare for future elections. We have a duty to ensure inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are protected,” he added.
Adeleke’s resignation from the PDP had been submitted earlier this month in a letter to the chairman of Ward 2, Sagba-Abogunde, Ede North Local Government Area.
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In the letter, he cited the protracted leadership crisis within the PDP’s national structure as the primary reason for his departure.
With Adeleke’s defection, the All Progressives Congress (APC) now controls 28 state governorships, while the PDP is left with four.
The Labour Party, All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and now Accord each hold one governorship.
