Some leaders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Esa Oke in the Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State have defected to Accord Party, declaring their support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election later in August.

Leading the defection on Thursday are Oni Olayinka, former Ward 07 councillor; Ogunsakin Bukola, former ward representative to federal lawmaker Wole Oke; Seyi Omojowogbe; Ajiboye Adegbite, former ward representative on non-indigene affairs; Oluwasesan Sunday; and Akogun Tayo.

The defectors were received on behalf of the governor by his Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye, who cited Adeleke’s achievements, inclusive leadership, and people-driven governance as the driving force behind their decision.

They pledged loyalty to Accord Party and stated their commitment to mobilising grassroots support for Adeleke’s second term.

Pelumi Olajengbesi, a lawyer and the convener of the Imole Grassroots Mobilisation Network, a support movement advocating Adeleke’s re-election described the development as a blow to the APC and a consolidation of Adeleke’s growing political dominance in Obokun Local Government Area.

Olajengbesi also said the defeat of the APC governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, has become cheaper and easier with the party’s appointment of Wole Oke as the campaign director general.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Thursday shifted the Osun governorship poll by one week – from August 8, to August 15, 2026.

In the poll, APC’s Bola Oyebamiji, among other contenders, will be challenging Governor Adeleke of Accord Party, who is seeking re-election. Adeleke joined Accord Party from the PDP in December 2025 and emerged the party’s flag bearer.