Governor Ademola Adeleke explains why he dumped the PDP for the Accord Party, citing welfarism, internal party crisis and alignment with his governance philosophy ahead of the 2026 Osun governorship election
Why Gov Adeleke Dumped PDP for Accord Party Ahead of 2026 Osun Election
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has officially confirmed his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party, marking a major political shift ahead of the 2026 governorship race.
Adeleke made the declaration on Tuesday inside the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Osogbo, where he received national and state leaders of the Accord Party. The move comes after months of internal PDP tensions and widespread speculation about his next political platform.
According to the governor, he formally registered as a member of the Accord Party on November 6, 2025, following extensive consultations with political stakeholders and opinion leaders across Osun State. His spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed that many stakeholders were already aware of the reasons behind the governor’s political realignment.
Explaining the motivation behind his decision, Adeleke said he chose the Accord Party because its ideological principles align strongly with his administration’s welfarist agenda.
Revealing why he dumped the PDP, the governor stated that he was drawn to Accord’s commitment to citizens’ and workers’ welfare, which mirrors his own policy direction.
“Today, we unveiled the Accord Party, our new platform for the good people of Osun State. From Osun West to Osun East to Osun Central, this is our party, our new platform for victory come August next year,” he declared.
Adeleke added that his defection was the culmination of a month-long reflection period:
“I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely 6th November, 2025, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.”
He noted that residents of Osun were already aware of the circumstances that led to his exit from the PDP, which has been battling a prolonged internal crisis.
“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.”
Adeleke emphasised that the Accord Party offers the ideological clarity his administration needs to continue prioritising human welfare.
“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens and workers’ welfare. Since I joined, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party. The primary essence of a government is the welfare and well-being of the people.”
Welcoming Accord Party leaders to Osun, the governor declared:
“I welcome the leadership of the Accord from the National into Osun State. You are now part of us as I am also now part of you. We are united in progress and good intentions for the good people of Osun State and Nigeria at large.”
He urged party members to stay united as the 2026 contest approaches.
“Our task is to sustain a united front as we prepare for future elections. We have a duty to ensure an inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are cared for.”
Adeleke concluded with a rallying message:
“Our party, Accord Party, is here to take over Osun governance and sustain the delivery of good governance in our dear state.”
With this declaration, the political landscape in Osun is set for intense restructuring as parties prepare for a highly competitive 2026 governorship election.
