A major political realignment has reshaped Osun State’s federal delegation as several lawmakers and Governor Ademola Adeleke formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election.
Speaking at a gathering of party supporters, Clement Akanni, who represents Boluwaduro/Ifedayo/Ila Federal Constituency, confirmed that he and five other members of the House of Representatives had resigned from the PDP with immediate effect.
Akanni listed the defectors as Mahruf Adewale (Osogbo/Olorunda/Orolu/Irepodun), Bamidele Salam (Ede North/Ede South/Egbedore/Ejigbo), Soji Adetunji (Ikirun/Boripe/Odo-Otin), Mudashiru Lukman Alani (Iwo/Ayedire/Boluwaduro) and Lanre Oladebo (Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan).
“On behalf of my colleagues, we have from today moved to the Accord Party,” Akanni declared.
He urged supporters to participate actively in the forthcoming governorship election, advising them to verify election materials before voting and remain at polling units to monitor the process.
“Before you start voting, check the result sheet and ballot papers to be sure they are complete. After voting, stay behind and monitor your votes,” he said.
Projecting confidence in the party’s prospects, Akanni predicted a decisive victory for Governor Adeleke, stating that Accord would secure 80 per cent of the votes.
Governor Adeleke, addressing supporters, explained that his departure from the PDP was driven by internal challenges that could have jeopardised his re-election bid.
“I love PDP but I had to leave to avoid being trapped in my re-election bid,” he said. “We consulted widely and prayed over it, and we were guided to the Accord Party.”
He thanked members of both parties and called on supporters to rally behind Accord in the upcoming poll.
“You should vote massively for Accord Party, then victory is guaranteed for us. I thank the PDP family and I thank Accord Party for accepting me,” the governor added.
Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuf, also attended the event, urging party loyalists to remain united and committed as the election approaches.
With the latest defections, Senator Lere Oyewumi, representing Osun West Senatorial District, remains the only federal lawmaker from the state elected on the PDP platform.
Governor Adeleke had earlier joined the Accord Party in December 2025, where he subsequently secured the party’s governorship ticket. In addition, 25 members of the Osun State House of Assembly elected under the PDP have announced their defection to Accord.
Meanwhile, on February 14, 2026, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State welcomed two senators and three members of the House of Representatives into its ranks, further intensifying political realignments ahead of the governorship election.
Comments