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Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has dismissed claims that he abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), insisting that his decision to join the Accord Party stemmed from the PDP’s prolonged internal crisis rather than any lapse in loyalty.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, he said he still holds affection for the PDP but needed a more stable platform ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
Adeleke, now confirmed as the Accord Party’s candidate for the August 2026 poll, explained that he made repeated efforts to resolve the PDP’s internal problems, but the situation continued to deteriorate.
“I love the PDP, but with all the crises going on—you know about all these crises—I did my best; I tried, but everything seemed to fall apart every day. So, as a reasonable person, I had to make a decision and ask, ‘Where do I go from here?’” he said.
“That is why I decided to join the Accord Party. It’s not true that I abandoned the PDP. I love the PDP, but I had to protect myself and protect my state because of the good work we have been doing so that we can continue,” he hinted.
Adeleke also argued that party identity will matter less in the upcoming election, saying Osun voters will prioritise competence and performance over political labels.
“I believe the people of Osun State love me. It’s not all about parties now. Osun people are wise—they don’t judge you by your party; they judge the person. What have you done? I have a track record, and that track record is what they will consider,” he said.
He revealed that he formally joined the Accord Party on 6 November 2025, after extensive consultations with stakeholders. On Wednesday—one day after publicly announcing his move—he was officially confirmed as the party’s gubernatorial candidate.
According to the Chairman of the Screening Committee and National Organising Secretary, Ibe Thankgod, Adeleke met all the required conditions and was cleared as the Accord Party’s sole candidate for the 2026 Osun governorship election.
