Twenty-five members of the Osun State House of Assembly elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party have formally defected to the Accord Party, reshaping the political landscape of the state ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
The lawmakers announced their decision on Friday, aligning with Governor Ademola Adeleke, who in December 2025 exited the PDP to join Accord.
Adeleke has since been cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest the August 15 Osun governorship poll under his new party.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Olamide Tiamiyu, the legislators disclosed that the decision was reached during a parliamentary meeting.
Following the session, they proceeded to the Banquet Hall to meet with the governor and top leaders of the Accord Party, where the Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, formally declared their defection.
According to the statement, the defecting lawmakers reaffirmed their support for Governor Adeleke and pledged continued commitment to “quality representation, transparency and responsive leadership.”
“They further noted that their decision to join the governor’s party was aimed at ensuring continuity in governance and accelerating development for the people of Osun State,” the statement read in part.
Tiamiyu added that the lawmakers had resigned from the PDP weeks earlier after what he described as “deep reflection and extensive consultations with supporters, political associates and key stakeholders.”
He stated that the legislators were convinced that the Accord Party offers a more stable, inclusive and people-centred platform through which they could continue to serve their constituents effectively.
The mass defection significantly alters the composition of the 26-member Assembly.
With the exit of the 25 PDP lawmakers, including the Speaker, the House is now left with only one opposition member – Femi Popoola of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
