Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has formally joined the Accord Party, weeks after announcing his exit from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The governor made his declaration on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of the Osun Government House, where he was received by national and state executives of the party.
In a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke also confirmed his intention to seek re-election in 2026 on the platform of the Accord Party, popularly symbolised by the “Thumb-Up” logo.
Adeleke disclosed that his defection was concluded over a month ago.
“I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely on November 6, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026 after weeks of consultations with stakeholders and opinion leaders,” he said.
The governor said the decision reflected growing support within the state for continuity in governance.
“Residents and stakeholders in Osun State are aware of why we are taking this important step. Our mission is to complete the delivery of good governance and democratic dividends that have earned recognition both locally and internationally,” he stated.
Why Accord Party?
Adeleke explained that he chose Accord because its philosophy of welfarism aligns with his administration’s focus on workers’ welfare and citizens’ well-being.
“Since joining the party, I have been fascinated by its strong commitment to people’s welfare. Public leadership must place the well-being of citizens at its core, and that has been my priority as governor,” he added.
He emphasised that his administration has recorded significant progress across infrastructure, social services, and governance reforms, noting that “Osun has never had it so good.”
Call for Unity Ahead of 2026 Polls
Addressing party leaders, Adeleke called for unity as Accord positions itself for the 2026 governorship election.
“At this historical moment, our task is to sustain a united front. We must ensure inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are respected. Accord Party is ready to take over Osun governance and sustain the progress we have made,” he said.
He rallied supporters across Osun’s three senatorial districts, urging them to embrace the “Thumb-Up” symbol as the new platform for continuity.
“From Osun West to Osun East to Osun Central… this is our party, our platform for victory next August,” he declared, listing communities from Igbomina to Ijeshaland, Ifeland, Osogbo, Iwo, Ede, and others.
Exit From PDP
Governor Adeleke had formally resigned from the PDP on December 1, citing persistent leadership crises within the party’s national hierarchy. His resignation letter was submitted earlier on November 4, 2025, to party officials in Sagba Abogunde, Ward 2, Ede North Local Government.
“Due to the ongoing crisis within the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party, I conveyed my resignation to my ward executives. I thank the party, its leaders, and supporters for the opportunities granted to me as Senator and now as Governor of Osun State,” he wrote in a public statement shared on Instagram.
With his official entry into Accord and his second-term declaration, political activities in Osun State are expected to intensify ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
