Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has formally announced his defection to the Accord Party, confirming his intention to seek a second term in office under the party’s banner. The declaration was made on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, where he received national and state leaders of the party.
According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor revealed that he had quietly joined Accord on November 6, more than a month before the public announcement. Adeleke explained that his decision followed extensive consultations with political stakeholders and opinion leaders across Osun State.
He said his move to the party, popularly known as the “Thumb-Up” party, was driven by its ideological focus on welfarism, which he described as being in harmony with his administration’s emphasis on workers’ welfare and citizens’ well-being.
“I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely on November 6, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders,” he said. “Stakeholders and residents of Osun State are aware of why we are taking this important decision. We intend to pursue a second term on the platform of the Accord Party to complete the ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends, which have been applauded at home and abroad.”
Adeleke welcomed party leaders to the Government House and described the event as the unveiling of a “new platform” for the people of Osun State.
He emphasized the need for inclusive leadership ahead of the 2026 governorship election, stressing that Accord was prepared to take over full governance of the state and consolidate ongoing reforms.
“Since I joined the party, I have been fascinated by its philosophy. The focus on people’s welfare should always be at the heart of public leadership. The primary essence of government is the welfare and well-being of the people,” he noted, reiterating that his administration has prioritised policies that improve the lives of workers and residents.
The governor declared that Accord would serve as the vehicle for continuity across all zones of Osun, calling on supporters from Ijeshaland, Igbomina, Ifeland, Osogbo, Ede, Ikire, Ikirun, Gbongan, Igbajo, Iwoland, Modakeke and other communities to mobilise for the party’s victory in August 2026.
“Osun voted for good governance in 2022, and they will support continuity in 2026. The mass of our people are for continuity, and Accord is our party for victory next year,” he said.
Adeleke’s defection follows his formal resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party on December 1.
In a message shared on Instagram, the governor disclosed that he submitted his resignation letter to PDP leaders in Sagba Abogunde Ward 2, Ede North Local Government, on November 4.
Citing prolonged leadership instability at the PDP national level, he expressed gratitude to the party for the opportunities it provided him, including his tenure as a senator and his current position as governor.
