PDP convention delayed Gov Adeleke’s defection – Osun Commissioner
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke's defection to the Accord Party was delayed due to the recent Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention in Ibadan, according to Osun State Commissioner for Information, Kolapo Alimi. Adeleke had resigned from the PDP on November 4 and joined the Accord Party on November 6, but delayed the public announcement until after the PDP convention to avoid being seen as undermining the party's gathering.
Reasons for Defection:
- Leadership Crisis: Adeleke cited the PDP's internal leadership crisis as the reason for his resignation, stating that the party's problems had become unending and threatened his political future.
- Governance Style: Alimi explained that Adeleke's governance style and policy priorities align with the Accord Party's manifesto, which focuses on welfarism and citizen welfare.
Adeleke's Future Plans:
- Re-election Bid: Adeleke plans to seek re-election for a second term on the Accord Party's platform in 2026.
- Support for Tinubu: Despite joining a different party, Adeleke remains committed to supporting President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in 2027, citing historical ties between Tinubu and Osun State.
Adeleke was a victim of circumstance – PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has attributed Governor Ademola Adeleke's defection to circumstance rather than genuine ideological differences. PDP spokesperson Debo Ologunagba stated that Adeleke's decision was influenced by factors beyond his control, including the party's internal crisis and external pressures.
PDP's Stance:
- Adeleke's Defection: The PDP described Adeleke's defection as a result of circumstance, suggesting that he was driven by pragmatic considerations rather than a fundamental shift in ideology.
- Party's Internal Crisis: The PDP's internal leadership crisis and factional struggles may have contributed to Adeleke's decision to leave the party.
- External Pressures: The PDP hinted at external factors, possibly including pressure from influential figures or power brokers, that may have influenced Adeleke's decision to defect [1].
Implications:
- PDP's Loss: Adeleke's defection is a significant loss for the PDP, as he is a high-profile governor with a strong following in Osun State.
- Accord Party's Gain: The Accord Party, on the other hand, has gained a prominent leader who can potentially boost the party's fortunes in the state.
- 2026 Election: The defection may have implications for the 2026 governorship election in Osun State, with Adeleke potentially facing off against new opponents from other parties
Osun 2026: Accord Party clears Adeleke for primary
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has been cleared by the Accord Party to participate in its governorship primary election. Here are the key details¹ ² ³:
- Clearance: The Accord Party's screening committee, led by Chairman Ibe Thankgod, confirmed Adeleke's eligibility and presented him with a certificate of clearance, hailing him as a "worthy gubernatorial aspirant".
- Primary Election Results: Adeleke emerged as the party's candidate after securing 145 out of 150 delegate votes, with five votes voided. He thanked the party leadership and delegates for their support.
- Adeleke's Statement: "I am ready for the primary, and I am ready for the general elections. We are winning by God's grace," Adeleke said, expressing confidence in his ability to lead the party to victory in 2026.
- Defection: Adeleke defected to the Accord Party on December 10, 2024, after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on December 2, 2024, citing internal crisis as the reason for his departure.
- Next Steps: With his clearance and emergence as the party's candidate, Adeleke is set to contest the 2026 Osun State governorship election on the Accord Party's platform.
Osun 2026: Governor Adeleke emerges Accord’s governorship candidate
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Accord Party for the 2026 Osun State governorship election. Here's what happened¹ ² ³:
- Primary Election: Adeleke scored 145 out of 150 delegate votes to clinch the party's ticket, with five votes voided. The primary election was held at the Oasis Event Centre in Osogbo, Osun State, and was observed by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) representatives.
- Adeleke's Reaction: After his emergence, Adeleke expressed gratitude to the party leadership and delegates, stating, "I am ready for the primary, and I am ready for the general elections. We are winning by God's grace."
- Accord Party's Confidence: The Accord Party's National Organising Secretary, Ibe Thankgod, described Adeleke as a "worthy gubernatorial aspirant" and expressed confidence in his ability to lead the party to victory in 2026.
- Defection: Adeleke defected to the Accord Party on December 10, 2024, after resigning from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on December 2, 2024, citing internal crisis as the reason for his resignation.
- Five-Point Agenda: Adeleke unveiled an updated five-point agenda for the 2026 race, which includes⁴:
- Integrated Citizens and Workers' Welfare: Focusing on the well-being of citizens and workers in Osun State.
- Infrastructure Consolidation for Economic Prosperity: Improving infrastructure to boost economic growth and development.
- Increased Agro-Industrial Expansion for Youth Empowerment: Empowering youths through agriculture and industrial development.
- Innovations for Health, Education, and Social Care: Improving healthcare, education, and social services.
- Improved Business Environment for Job Creation: Creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and create jobs.

.png)
