Osun Governor Adeleke Defends Defection to Accord Party, Vows Continuity in Governance
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has explained that his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party (AP) was a necessary move to protect his personal security and ensure the stability of the state.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Adeleke said he still holds the PDP in high regard but chose to prioritise continuity in Osun’s development over party loyalty.
“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 resigned from the PDP on Tuesday and joined the Accord Party, securing the AP governorship ticket the following day. He will contest the 2026 governorship election against candidates from the All Progressives Congress (APC), PDP, and the African Democratic Party (ADP), in what is expected to be a closely watched race.
Addressing concerns that running under a smaller party could affect his re-election chances, Adeleke expressed confidence that his track record in office would earn him a second term. He argued that Osun residents are discerning and capable of distinguishing between “good governance and bad governance,” saying the election will ultimately be decided by performance, not party affiliation.
“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. The party is just a platform. When they compare the records of my predecessor with my own, they see the positive changes we’ve brought,” he said, highlighting improvements in salaries and public services.
Adeleke added that he is undeterred by “federal might,” recalling that he won the 2022 election as an opposition candidate and believes he can repeat the feat in 2026.
“Well, I believe our president is a democrat. He was once in opposition, and I learned from him. He stood his ground and still won. Why can’t I do the same? I won last time as an opposition candidate, and it will not be different this time,” he said.
He concluded by affirming his confidence that voters will return him to office based on his achievements and their desire for continuity in governance.
