Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Tuesday revealed that he has joined the Accord Party, stating that he became a member over a month ago. The party is set to hold its governorship primary today, and the governor is expected to participate, with a strong likelihood of emerging as its candidate for the August 8, 2026 governorship election.

Before now, the leadership of the Accord Party in Osun State had assured Adeleke of a waiver to contest for the ticket once he joined the party.

Confirming his participation, the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, said, “The governor joined Accord Party on November 6. He will take part in the party’s primary. He has met all requirements and fulfilled every condition.”

Adeleke also declared his intention to seek a second term in office under the Accord Party platform.

His move comes weeks after he resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party. His resignation letter, addressed to the PDP Ward 2 Chairman in Ede North Local Government Area, was dated November 4, 2025.

Speaking to supporters at the Government House in Osogbo on Tuesday, the governor said he had “joined Accord Party more than a month ago” and had since been drawn to the party’s ideology and principles.

Accord Party has scheduled its governorship primary for Wednesday in Osogbo, where Adeleke is expected to formally contest for the 2026 election ticket.

Meanwhile, the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the PDP conducted its primary on December 2, producing Adedamola Adebayo (Fryo) as its candidate. However, the faction supported by the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, is yet to conduct its own primary.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, Rasheed noted that Adeleke formally announced his Accord Party membership at the Government House Banquet Hall, in the presence of national and state leaders of the party.

Addressing supporters, Adeleke said:
“I joined the Accord Party on November 6 to pursue my re-election in 2026 after extensive consultations with stakeholders. People in Osun State understand the reasons behind this important decision. Our focus is to complete ongoing projects and continue delivering good governance.”

He added that the Accord Party’s focus on welfarism aligns with his administration’s priorities.
“At this crucial moment, our goal is to remain united as we prepare for the election. We must ensure inclusive leadership that protects the interests of all groups.”

The governor also stated, “My administration has placed the welfare of citizens and workers at the forefront. Through our policies and programmes, Osun has enjoyed significant improvements in governance, infrastructure, and social services.”

Explaining why he left the PDP, Adeleke said it was due to unresolved issues within its national leadership.

His resignation letter stated:
“Due to the ongoing crisis within the national leadership of the PDP, I hereby resign my membership with immediate effect. I appreciate the party for the opportunities it provided, including my election as Senator and as Governor of Osun State.”

Responding to his exit, Osun PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi, said the governor may no longer pursue the party’s ticket for the 2026 election unless the internal crisis is resolved and INEC recognises the appropriate leadership before the submission deadline.

According to INEC’s timetable for the August 8, 2026 Osun governorship election, political parties must submit the names of their candidates by December 15.