Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has dismissed claims that he abandoned the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the platform on which he rose to prominence after announcing his move to the Accord Party.
Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Adeleke said he remains fond of the PDP but was compelled to seek a more stable platform due to the party’s lingering internal crisis ahead of his 2026 re-election bid.
Now formally the Accord Party’s governorship candidate for the August 2026 election, Adeleke explained that he had made several attempts to resolve the PDP’s internal disputes, but the situation continued to deteriorate.
“I love the PDP, but with all the crises going on—you know about these issues—I did my best. I tried, but everything seemed to be falling apart every day. So, as a reasonable person, I had to make a decision and ask myself, ‘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 so we can continue the good work we have been doing.”
The governor also expressed confidence that party labels will play a minimal role in the next election, insisting that Osun voters will base their choices on performance and character rather than political affiliation.
“I believe the people of Osun 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’s what they will consider. Within three years, we know what we have achieved in our administration. So, it is about the person,” he said.
Adeleke had on Tuesday confirmed that he joined the Accord Party on November 6, 2025, after weeks of consultations with stakeholders and opinion leaders, choosing it as his new platform for the 2026 governorship race.
A day after making his defection public, the governor was formally confirmed as the Accord Party’s governorship candidate for the 2026 election. According to the Chairman of the Screening Committee and National Organising Secretary of the party, Ibe Thankgod, Adeleke met all nomination requirements and was cleared as the party’s sole candidate.
