Adeleke Defects to Accord Party, Sets Stage for 2026 Re-Election Bid

Osun State Governor, Ademola Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke, has officially joined the Accord Party, ending weeks of speculation and marking one of the most significant political shifts in the state ahead of the 2026 governorship election.

His defection, announced during a gathering of party stakeholders in Osogbo, positions him to seek re-election on a new platform after parting ways with his former party.

The announcement drew a large crowd of supporters, party chieftains, and government officials who converged on the Government House premises to witness what many described as a defining moment in the state’s political trajectory.

Senior Accord Party figures welcomed the governor warmly, affirming that his entry signals a major boost for the party’s visibility and competitive strength in the South-West.

According to sources close to the governor, his decision to leave his former party stemmed from prolonged internal disagreements, unresolved leadership conflicts, and what aides described as an increasingly hostile political environment that threatened his re-election prospects.

Allies argue that the Accord Party offers him a more stable structure, one capable of harmonising divergent interests ahead of the governorship contest.

Political analysts say Adeleke’s move is likely to reshape alliances across Osun State, as defectors, loyalists, and interest blocs recalibrate their strategies.

For Accord, the governor’s entry represents both an opportunity and a challenge: while his popularity enhances the party’s weight, it must now accelerate internal processes to secure his nomination and integrate his political machinery.

Opposition parties are expected to intensify efforts to exploit any turbulence arising from the transition, especially during the period of harmonisation between Adeleke’s camp and Accord’s existing leadership. Despite this, early signs indicate that the governor is consolidating support across local government areas, with many of his loyalists already aligning themselves with the new structure.

In his address at the event, Adeleke reaffirmed his commitment to continuing infrastructural development, social welfare expansion, and economic reforms initiated since he took office.

He noted that his decision to switch platforms was guided by a desire to sustain the momentum of his administration without the distractions of internal party crises.

As the 2026 election approaches, the governor’s defection is expected to trigger further political manoeuvring within Osun State, with analysts predicting more alignments and cross-camp negotiations in the coming months.

For now, Governor Adeleke appears poised to carry his ambitions into the next electoral cycle under the Accord banner, setting the stage for what many anticipate will be a fiercely contested race.