Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has revealed the reason behind his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party.

Adeleke who recently announced his defection thanked the people of Osun State in a post on his official X account on Thursday before explaining why he took the decision to join the Accord Party.

“Thank you, Osun people. To ensure continuity and the long term sustainability of our people-centered governance agenda beyond 2026, we have taken the bold step of moving to the Accord Party,” he said.

“This decision is driven by our commitment to protect the progress we have made together and to secure a stronger future for our dear state.

“I deeply appreciate your love, trust, and consistent support for my administration. With your continued backing, we will consolidate our achievements, expand the impact of good governance, and keep delivering the dividends of democracy to every community across Osun State.”

Governor Adeleke’s defection to the Accord Party aims to safeguard his people-focused policies and re-election prospects in 2026, amid ongoing internal conflicts in the ranks of the PDP that delayed the announcement until after their national convention.

A viral video captured a vibrant defection ceremony with crowds in yellow Accord Party attire, dancing supporters, and news coverage, underscoring strong grassroots enthusiasm for Adeleke’s governance in Osun State.

Announcing his defection in a post on his official X handle earlier this week, Adeleke said: “Today, we unveiled the Accord Party, our new platform for the good people of Osun State. From Osun West to Osun East to Osun Central, this is our party, our new platform for victory come August next year.

“I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago precisely 6th November, 2025, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.

“Stakeholders and residents of Osun State are aware of why we are taking this important decision. We intend to pursue a second term in office on the platform of the Accord Party to complete ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends, which have been applauded at home and abroad.

“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens and workers’ welfare. Since I joined, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party. The primary essence of a government is the welfare and well being of the people.

“I welcome the leadership of the Accord from the National into Osun State. You are now part of us as I am also now part of you. We are united in progress and good intentions for the good people of Osun State and Nigeria at large.

“Our task is to sustain a united front as we prepare for future elections. We have a duty to ensure an inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are cared for. Our party, Accord Party, is here to take over Osun governance and sustain the delivery of good governance in our dear state.”

He also spoke on Wednesday after he emerged as the Accord Party governorship candidate ahead of the Osun State gubernatorial election in 2026.

“Today at the Accord Governorship Primary, I humbly accepted my nomination as the Governorship Candidate for the 2026 elections. I deeply appreciate our party leadership and the delegates for the trust you have placed in me. I do not take this honour for granted,” Adeleke said.

“Our victory today marks the beginning of a renewed battle for continuity of progress, good governance and real democratic dividends. For three years, we have proven that governance can be genuine, people-focused and impactful.

“Under our watch, Osun has moved from the dark days of failed promises to a season of real modernization and development. I stand boldly on our records, Our footprints are visible and undeniable.”

With the nomination, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to serve, challenging his opponents to run on their records, just as he is running on his.

Speaking further, he said the people of Osun State know the difference between empty promises and talk-and-do leadership.

Adeleke also unveiled an upgraded Five-Point Agenda to drive Osun to the next level: Integrated Citizens and Workers’ Welfare; Infrastructure Consolidation for Economic Prosperity; Agro-Industrial Expansion for Youth Empowerment; Innovations in Health, Education & Social Care and Improved Business Environment for Job Creation.