Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has formally announced his defection to the Accord Party, setting the stage for his 2026 re-election bid.
Adeleke made the declaration on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Osogbo, in the presence of national and state leaders of the Accord Party. The governor revealed that he secretly joined the party over a month ago—on November 6—after weeks of consultations with political stakeholders.
He said his choice of the “Thumb-Up” party was driven by its ideology of welfarism, which aligns with his administration’s focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare.
“I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely on November 6, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026,” Adeleke said.
The governor had earlier resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party on December 2, citing prolonged leadership crises at the national level. In a statement posted on his Instagram page, he confirmed submitting his resignation letter to PDP officials in Sagba Abogunde Ward 2, Ede North Local Government, on November 4.
“Due to the ongoing crisis within the PDP national leadership, I formally conveyed my resignation to my ward executives,” he wrote, thanking the party for the opportunities it afforded him as senator and governor.
Addressing supporters on Tuesday, Adeleke said residents of Osun State were already aware of his move, noting that Accord Party offers a “united front” for the 2026 governorship race.
“As a governor, I have prioritised the welfare of our people. Day and night, we implement policies and programmes to elevate the well-being of our citizens,” he said.
Adeleke declared that Accord Party would serve as the new political platform for the good people of Osun State, promising continuity in governance across all zones—from Osun West to Osun East and Osun Central.
“Osun voted for good governance in 2022, and they will support continuity in 2026. Accord is our party for victory next year,” he said.
He urged supporters across Ijesaland, Igbomina, Ifeland, Osogbo, Iwoland, Modakeke, Gbongan and other parts of the state to “thumb up” for Accord in the next election.
“In accordance with the will of stakeholders and the wishes of Osun people, I hereby declare for the Accord Party,” the governor concluded.
