by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has pushed back against rumors that he ditched the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He clarified that his shift to the Accord Party was a necessary move due to the ongoing turmoil within the PDP.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Adeleke expressed that he still has a fondness for the PDP, but the continuous internal strife made it unfeasible for him to pursue his re-election in 2026 under that banner.
He shared that despite his attempts to mend fences with the disgruntled factions, things only seemed to deteriorate further, leaving him no option but to find a more stable environment.
“I care about the PDP, but with all the chaos happening—you know the situation. I did my utmost, I really tried, but it felt like everything was crumbling day by day,” he remarked. “So, as a sensible person, I had to ask myself, ‘What’s my next step?’ That’s why I chose to join the Accord Party. It’s not accurate to say I abandoned the PDP. I needed to safeguard myself and my state so we can keep up the good work we’re doing.”
Adeleke is optimistic about his re-election prospects, emphasizing that the voters in Osun State prioritize performance over party loyalty.
“I truly believe the people appreciate me in Osun State. It’s not just about the parties anymore. The people here are smart—they evaluate the individual, not the party. What have you accomplished? I have a solid track record, and that’s what they will focus on,” he stated.
The governor made his switch to the Accord Party public on Tuesday, announcing that he officially joined the party on November 6, 2025, after weeks of discussions with political figures and community leaders.
Just a day after his announcement, the Accord Party confirmed Adeleke as its candidate for the governorship in the August 2026 election. Ibe Thankgod, the party’s National Organising Secretary and Chairman of the Screening Committee, stated that Adeleke met all the necessary criteria and emerged as the candidate.