Osun 2026: Anti-Adeleke forces attempting to hijack Accord Party, says spokesman

File Photo: Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke

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The national leadership of the Accord Party has accused opposition elements in Osun State of sponsoring what it described as a “charade” aimed at hijacking the party ahead of the 2026 governorship election, following the conduct of a disputed parallel primary in the state.

The National Publicity Secretary of Accord, Joseph Omorogbe, stated this in a statement issued in Abuja on Monday.

While emphasising that the exercise was illegal and unauthorised, Omorogbe claimed the parallel primary in Osun was staged by some fun-seeking fellows making a mockery of the nation’s democracy.”

He said, “Those behind the exercise were sponsored by some opposition figures in the state who are jittery of the emergence of the action Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Ademola Adeleke, as the flag bearer of Accord.”

The party spokesman noted that the alleged attempt to create confusion was short-lived, as the Independent National Electoral Commission promptly distanced itself from the exercise.

“The sham those political hirelings staged to hoodwink unsuspecting members of the public has been swiftly disowned by the Independent National Electoral Commission as null, void, and of no effect in the upcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

“Accord will not dissipate energy responding to frivolities from jokers and political nomads roaming the democratic space in search of elusive greener pastures,” Omorogbe said.

According to him, they were happy the electoral umpire made it clear that the commission was “not aware of the kangaroo exercise aimed at confusing the state that has been peaceful, stable, and safe for citizens since Adeleke assumed office.”

Reaffirming the party’s support for Governor Ademola Adeleke, the spokesman said the governor remained focused on governance rather than political intrigues.

“As a compassionate leader, Governor Adeleke is focused on delivering dividends of democracy to the good people of Osun State and will not be distracted by the antics of the main opposition party in the state,” he said.

He described Adeleke as “a man of the people and the only leader citizens trust and followed him to Accord, the platform that will protect their interests and well-being.”

Omorogbe concluded with a call for unity, urging members and supporters to “remain in one accord for unity, stability, security, and prosperity.”

The statement comes barely 24 hours after INEC publicly disowned a factional governorship primary reportedly conducted by a group claiming to be members of the Accord Party in Osun State.

On Sunday, the faction was said to have held a primary election in Osogbo, the state capital, which reportedly produced Bamigbola Clement as its candidate for the August 8, 2026, governorship election.

The exercise reportedly featured the accreditation of delegates and the presence of armed police operatives at the venue.

Bamigbola, who was presented as the sole aspirant, confirmed his emergence, saying, “It is true. We had our primary, and I emerged as the consensus candidate.”

However, INEC swiftly distanced itself from the exercise.

The PUNCH reported the commission’s Public Relations Officer in Osun State, Musa Olurode, as saying the electoral body was only aware of one Accord Party primary.

“We have monitored the only Accord Party primary a few days ago. The report has been submitted. INEC is not aware of any other party’s primary,” Olurode said.

INEC had monitored the earlier Accord primary held last Wednesday in Osogbo, where Governor Ademola Adeleke emerged unopposed as the party’s candidate for the 2026 poll.

The PUNCH journalist, Adebayo, has over 20 years of experience covering politics, health, metro, entertainment and properties

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