Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has defended his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Accord party, insisting the move was driven by the need to safeguard his personal security and ensure uninterrupted governance in the state.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Adeleke dismissed claims that he abandoned the PDP, describing the party as one he still holds in high regard.
He said his defection should be understood as a strategic step taken to protect both himself and the developmental trajectory of Osun State.
“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 after resigning from the PDP, the platform on which he won the 2022 governorship election. He secured the Accord party’s governorship ticket on Wednesday, positioning himself for what observers expect to be a highly competitive race in 2026.
He will face candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP and the African Democratic Party coalition.
Responding to concerns that his choice of a less prominent party could undermine his re-election prospects, the governor expressed confidence that his record in office would outweigh partisan considerations. He argued that Osun voters had become more discerning and would base their choices on performance rather than political labels.
“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,” he said.
Adeleke contrasted his administration’s performance with that of his predecessor, noting that residents endured hardship under the previous government, particularly in the area of unpaid salaries. He said his administration had restored hope and stability.
“I came in, I brought hope, I brought light to Osun State. So, my records, first of all, will speak for themselves,” he said.
The governor also brushed aside fears of federal influence in the 2026 contest, saying he had already demonstrated his ability to win elections from the opposition. He praised President Bola Tinubu as a democrat who succeeded despite similar challenges.
“I was in the opposition when I won last time, and it is not going to be different,” he said. Adeleke maintained that ultimately, the people would decide his fate, expressing confidence that voters would renew his mandate to ensure continuity in governance.
