- More than 500 APC members had defected to the Accord Party during a rally in Inisa, signalling changing political loyalties
- Speaker Adewale Egbedun had expressed confidence that the party would secure victory based on its performance record
- The defectors had cited internal dissatisfaction within the APC and praised Governor Ademola Adeleke’s leadership style
Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, has declared that the rising support for the Accord Party in Osun State places it in a strong position ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
Egbedun made the remarks on Saturday during a political rally in Inisa, located in Odo Otin Local Government Area, where more than 500 members of the All Progressives Congress formally defected to the Accord Party.
Addressing a large gathering of supporters, the Speaker expressed confidence that the party’s growing popularity, combined with what he described as the administration’s performance, would translate into electoral success.
“The record of success and achievement will speak, and by August 15, victory will be clear,” Egbedun stated.
He also used the occasion to call on electoral authorities to ensure a transparent and credible voting process. According to him, safeguarding the integrity of the election would be essential in maintaining public trust.
“Votes must count, and the process must remain free and fair. The electoral body must act as a truly public institution,” he added.
Egbedun further urged party members to embrace the new entrants, emphasising unity as a critical factor in the weeks leading up to the polls.
“I welcome our brothers and sisters who have joined us. Party faithful should work together with them for the progress of the state,” he said.
The defectors, led by Kazeem Abdulrasheed, attributed their departure from the APC to internal dissatisfaction. Speaking on behalf of the group, Abdulrasheed criticised the party’s structure, alleging that decision-making had become overly centralised.
“We left because the party has become a sole proprietorship, controlled by one man whose leadership damaged the state,” he claimed.
He added that the group was drawn to the leadership approach of Governor Ademola Adeleke, under whom they believe governance has taken a more inclusive direction.
The upcoming election is expected to be closely contested. Adeleke will seek re-election on the Accord Party platform, while Bola Oyebamiji will represent the APC. Najeem Salaam is also in the race under the African Democratic Congress.
As political alignments continue to shift, voters across Osun State are preparing to decide the state’s next governor in what is shaping up to be a pivotal contest.
Adeleke declares re-election bid, highlights achievements as campaigns kick off in Osun
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, had declared that his first-term performance justifies a second term in office, as the state officially began campaign activities for the August 15, 2026, governorship election.
Speaking on Wednesday, March 11, at the Government House, Osogbo, while receiving a delegation from the Ansar-u-Deen Society of Nigeria, Osun State Council, Governor Adeleke highlighted the accomplishments of his administration and reaffirmed his commitment to people-centred governance.