Osun 2026: Adeleke may emerge Accord Party gov candidate today

File Photo: Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke

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Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday, announced Accord Party as his new political platform, disclosing that he had joined the party over one month ago.

The Accord Party holds its governorship primary in Osun State today and Adeleke is expected to participate and may emerge as the party’s candidate for the August 8, 2026, governorship election.

Earlier, Accord Party leadership in Osun State had promised to grant him a waiver to vie for the governorship ticket if he joins the party.

Confirming Adeleke’s participation in the Accord Party’s governorship primary, his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said, “The governor joined Accord Party since November 6. He will participate in the primary of the party. He has fulfilled all the conditions and he has complied with all the requirements.”

On Tuesday, Adeleke also disclosed his intention to seek re-election for a second term under the party.

The governor had weeks earlier resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party.

His resignation letter, addressed to PDP Ward 2 Chairman, Sagba Abogunde of Ede North Local Government, Osun State, was dated November 4, 2025, and obtained by The PUNCH.

Addressing supporters who gathered at the Government House, Osogbo, on Tuesday, Adeleke said he “joined Accord Party more than a month ago” and has since been inspired by the philosophy of the political group.

Accord has scheduled its governorship primary for Wednesday in Osogbo, the state capital and Adeleke is expected to participate in the exercise to contest in the August 8, 2026, governorship election.

On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP held its governorship primary, which produced Adedamola Adebayo (Fryo) as its candidate.

However, the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike-backed faction of the party had not held its primary.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, on Tuesday, said Adeleke announced his membership of Accord at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, in the presence of national and state leaders of the party.

Addressing supporters gathered at the Government House, Adeleke said, “I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely on November 6, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.

“Stakeholders and residents of Osun State are aware of why we are taking this important decision. We intend to pursue a second term in office on the platform of the Accord Party to complete ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends, which have been applauded at home and abroad.

“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare.

“At this historical point, our task is to sustain a united front as we prepare for the elections. We have a duty to ensure inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are cared for.

“Our party, Accord, is here to take over Osun governance and sustain the delivery of good governance in our state.”

Adeleke further said, “As a governor, I have prioritised the welfare of our people, from workers to the entire citizenry. Day and night, we implement policies and programmes to elevate the well-being of our people.

“From infrastructure to social services, Osun has never had it so good in governance and service delivery.

“In accordance with the will of our stakeholders and to accord deep respect for the wishes of the Osun people, I hereby declare for the Accord Party.”

Adeleke said he left the PDP due to the ongoing crisis within the party’s national leadership.

His resignation letter read, “Due to the current crisis within the national leadership of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), I hereby resign my membership with immediate effect.

“I thank the Peoples Democratic Party for the opportunities given to me for my elections as Senator (representing Osun West) and as Governor of Osun State under the PDP.”

The PDP leadership in the state, commenting on the governor’s resignation, said Adeleke may no longer seek the party’s nomination for the 2026 governorship election.

The party, however, noted that his decision could change if the internal crises were resolved and the authentic leadership recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission within the official timeline for the Osun governorship poll.

Addressing journalists in Osogbo on Monday, Osun PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi, said the crisis had made it impossible to conduct the party’s governorship primary initially slated for December 2.

According to INEC’s timetable for the August 8, 2026, Osun governorship election, parties must submit the names of their candidates by December 15.

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