Osun Politics 2026: Governor Adeleke Ademola Joins Accord Party Re-election

In a dramatic and decisive political manoeuvre that has reshaped the landscape of Osun State politics, Governor Ademola Adeleke has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and officially joined the Accord Party. The defection, which follows his resignation from the PDP just days prior, was immediately followed by the declaration of his intention to seek a second term in office during the 2026 gubernatorial election.

Governor Adeleke’s move to the Accord Party was formalized in the first week of December 2025, marking the end of his long standing association with the PDP, the party under which he was elected. The abrupt shift has sent ripples through the state’s political structure, essentially confirming the long rumoured collapse of unity within the Osun State chapter of the PDP.

While the governor’s camp has remained politically guarded on the deep,seated reasons for the change, sources close to the development point toward irreconcilable differences, deep factionalism, and internal crises within the PDP as the primary catalyst for his resignation. The continuous internal wrangling and persistent disunity reportedly created an unstable foundation for the governor to pursue his re,election bid, leading him to seek a more cohesive and supportive platform.

Accord Party as the Re-election Vehicle

The decision to join the Accord Party is widely interpreted as a pragmatic political step, positioning the party as the official vehicle for Governor Adeleke’s bid for the 2026 governorship election. His formal declaration to seek a second term was made concurrently with his joining the party, eliminating any ambiguity about his future political alignment.

READ ALSO: of West African States (ECOWAS) Declares State of Emergency: This is why

The political implication of this defection is profound:

• Collapse of the PDP Structure: The exit of the sitting governor immediately diminishes the PDP’s standing and influence in Osun State, forcing the party to rapidly regroup and define its identity ahead of the 2026 polls.
• Accord Party’s Rise: The Accord Party instantly gains unparalleled visibility and a strong, viable candidate in the incumbent governor, transforming its status from a minor party to a central contender in the upcoming state election.
• Consolidation of Support: Governor Adeleke is banking on the Accord Party providing a unified and dedicated structure free from the internal conflicts that plagued the PDP, allowing him to consolidate his political base and focus on governance and his re,election campaign.

The move confirms that the political battle for Osun State in 2026 will be fought under a fundamentally realigned party structure, with Governor Adeleke Officially Joins Accord Party becoming the defining narrative of the political season.