Gov Adeleke dumps PDP, declares for Accord Party ahead of 2026 guber

By Johnson Arua 

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has formally joined the Accord Party, ending months of speculation over his political direction ahead of the 2026 governorship election. 

His defection comes less than 24 hours before the party’s governorship primary in the state. The move follows the circulation of his resignation letter from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), dated November 4, which surfaced online on December 1, just before the PDP conducted its primary where Adebayo Adedamola emerged the party’s flag-bearer. 

Adeleke’s switch was officially confirmed Tuesday evening at the Banquet Hall of the Osun State Government House, in the presence of top national and state leaders of the Accord Party. According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the Governor joined the Accord Party on November 6, after “extensive consultations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.” 

Speaking during the unveiling, Adeleke said he chose the Accord Party because its ideology aligns with his administration’s emphasis on welfare-driven governance. 

“I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely on November 6, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026,” he declared. “We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare.” 

Welcoming Accord leaders into the Government House, the governor added: “You are now part of us, just as I am part of you. We are united in progress and in our intentions for the people of Osun State and Nigeria at large.” 

Adeleke emphasized that the task before the party is to maintain unity and build an inclusive structure ahead of the polls. He praised what he described as Accord’s strong philosophical leaning towards people-centered governance. 

“Since joining the party, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great platform. The welfare of the people is the primary essence of government,” he said. 

Highlighting his achievements, he stated that his administration has delivered unprecedented improvements in infrastructure, social services, and citizens’ wellbeing. He assured residents that the new political platform would sustain and deepen ongoing reforms. 

“Today, we unveil the new platform for the good people of Osun State,” he said. “From Osun West to Osun East to Osun Central — this is our party, our new platform for victory come August next year.” 

Adeleke expressed confidence that Osun voters, who supported him in 2022, would back his re-election bid in 2026. 

“The mass of our people are for continuity, and Accord is our party for victory next year,” he asserted. 

He concluded by formally announcing: “In accordance with the will of our stakeholders, and in deep respect for the wishes of the Osun people, I hereby declare for the Accord Party.”