Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has officially joined the Accord Party, setting the stage for a major political realignment ahead of the 2026 governorship election. The governor made the declaration on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Osogbo, in the presence of national and state leaders of the Accord Party.
The announcement puts an end to weeks of speculation about Adeleke’s political future following growing tensions, internal disagreements, and shifting alliances within the state’s political landscape. According to the governor, he formally joined the Accord Party on November 6, 2025, after what he described as broad consultations with stakeholders, traditional rulers, grassroots opinion leaders, and members of his political base across Osun State.
A statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said the governor’s decision was not sudden but the result of a well-considered plan supported by key political figures within the state. Rasheed added that many stakeholders were already aware of the reasons behind the change in party platform.
Explaining the motivation for his defection, Governor Adeleke said the Accord Party’s ideology aligns closely with his administration’s “welfarist” agenda, which focuses on improving the living standards of citizens and prioritizing workers’ welfare. He said the party’s emphasis on the well-being of the people made it the right platform for his political mission.
“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare,” Adeleke said.
Since taking office in 2022, Adeleke has often championed policies aimed at expanding social support, improving salaries, and strengthening public services. His government has focused on road rehabilitation, school upgrades, digital inclusion programmes, and support for small businesses. These policies, he said, mirror the Accord Party’s philosophy, making it a suitable home for his political ambitions.
Governor Adeleke’s defection is one of the most significant political developments in Osun State since he won the 2022 governorship election under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His departure leaves questions about the future of the PDP in the state, especially as the 2026 election approaches.
The PDP has controlled Osun State only intermittently since 1999, with the APC dominating much of the state’s political history. Adeleke’s 2022 victory ended 12 years of APC rule and shifted power back to the PDP. However, signs of internal friction had been growing over the past months, with disagreements among party leaders, strained relationships, and uncertainty around the party’s readiness for the next election cycle.
At the same time, the Accord Party, which has historically held only a small presence in national and state elections, may now become a major force in Osun politics with Adeleke as its most prominent member.
Welcoming Accord Party leaders to the Government House, Adeleke emphasised the need for unity as political activities intensify ahead of the 2026 governorship election. He said the success of the new political direction depends on cooperation among members and a shared commitment to serving the people.
“We are united in progress and good intentions for the good people of Osun State and Nigeria at large,” he stated.
He urged all members to maintain a spirit of teamwork and avoid divisions that could undermine the party’s strength. He described the Accord Party as a “new political vehicle” that would carry Osun residents toward a more prosperous future.
The governor noted that inclusive leadership would be central to his campaign and governance style. He assured supporters that the party’s internal processes would be open, fair, and respectful of diverse interests.
Speaking further on his experience since joining the Accord Party, Adeleke expressed satisfaction with the party’s philosophy. He said public leadership must always prioritise the welfare of the people and that government should exist primarily to improve the lives of citizens.
“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 said.
Adeleke reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to policies and programmes that support ordinary citizens, including salary improvements, poverty reduction efforts, infrastructure upgrades, and healthcare and education reforms. He pledged to continue these efforts under the Accord Party’s banner.
During the event, the governor issued a rallying call to citizens across the state’s three senatorial districts — Osun West, Osun East, and Osun Central — urging them to embrace the Accord Party and support the mission for a second term.
He named several communities and regions as he appealed for broad-based support, including Igbomina, Ijeshaland, Ifeland, Osogbo, Iwoland, Modakeke, Gbongan, Igbajo, Ikire, Ikirun, Ede, and neighbouring towns.
“From Igbomina to Ijeshaland, Ifeland, Osogbo, Iwoland, Modakeke, Gbongan, Igbajo, Ikire, Ikirun, Ede and beyond, this is our party, our new platform for victory come August next year,” he declared.
The governor’s message signals the beginning of an intensive political mobilisation effort ahead of the 2026 governorship race. The Accord Party is expected to conduct grassroots tours, stakeholder meetings, and membership drives in the coming months.
Adeleke ended his speech with a formal declaration of his realignment:
“In accordance with the will of our stakeholders and in deep respect for the wishes of Osun people, I hereby declare for the Accord Party.”
The statement confirmed what many political observers had anticipated — that Adeleke had fully severed ties with the PDP, the party on which he rose to power.
With Adeleke now leading the Accord Party into the 2026 election, several political questions arise:
Will the PDP be able to rebuild quickly enough to field a strong candidate?
Will the APC use the division in the opposition to reclaim the governorship?
Can the Accord Party, with Adeleke as its flag bearer, expand its influence statewide?
For now, the governor and his new party appear confident. They believe that a united front, backed by Adeleke’s incumbency and his welfarist message, can deliver victory next year.
As Osun State enters a fresh political chapter, residents, stakeholders, and political observers will be watching closely to see how the new alliance reshapes the path to 2026.
