Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has formally pitched his tent with the Accord Party, sealing his long-rumoured break from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and setting the stage for a fiercely contested 2026 governorship race.
Adeleke made the announcement on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Osogbo, flanked by top national and state leaders of the Accord Party.
The governor revealed that he quietly registered as a member of the party over a month ago, on November 6, after “extensive consultations” with stakeholders across the state.
The governor, who is seeking a second term, said he chose the “Thumb-Up” party because its ideology mirrors his administration’s emphasis on welfare-driven governance.
Adeleke declared, “I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago as the platform on which I will seek re-election in 2026. Our people understand why we are taking this decision. We are determined to complete the work we started, good governance, service delivery, and the welfare-focused leadership Osun people voted for.”
Adeleke praised Accord’s philosophy of welfarism, saying it aligns with his priorities since assuming office.
“The essence of government is the welfare of the people. As governor, I have prioritised the well-being of workers and citizens. From infrastructure to social services, Osun has never had it this good,” he said.
He welcomed Accord leaders to the Government House, stressing the need for unity ahead of the coming polls.
He said, “We are building a united front for victory. Accord Party is here to take over the political space in Osun and sustain good governance. From Osun West to Osun East to Osun Central, this is our new platform for victory in August next year.”
Adeleke rallied supporters across all zones, declaring that the coming election would reaffirm the mandate first given to him in 2022.
“Osun voted for good governance in 2022. They will vote for continuity in 2026. The masses are for continuity, and Accord is the vehicle for our victory”, he said.
The governor’s switch comes barely a week after he publicly announced his resignation from the PDP on December 2, blaming persistent leadership crises at the party’s national level.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Adeleke confirmed that he had tendered his resignation letter earlier on November 4 to PDP leaders in his Sagba Abogunde Ward 2 in Ede North Local Government.
He pointed out, “Due to the ongoing crisis within the national leadership of the PDP, I conveyed my resignation letter to my ward leaders. I remain grateful for the opportunities the party gave me, first as a Senator and now as Governor.”
With his defection now official, Adeleke becomes the highest-profile politician to join Accord ahead of the 2026 governorship election, instantly reshaping Osun’s political landscape and setting off what promises to be an intense realignment of forces across the state.
