Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has clarified the circumstances surrounding his recent defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party, insisting that the move was driven by the need to safeguard himself and ensure the continued stability of Osun State.

Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Adeleke emphasized that his decision was not a rejection of the PDP, a party he says he still respects deeply, but a strategic step to secure the progress his administration has achieved.

> “It’s not true that I abandoned the PDP. I love the PDP, but I have to protect myself,” he said.
“I also have to protect my state because of the good work we’ve been doing, so that we can continue.”

Adeleke officially defected to the Accord Party on Tuesday after resigning from the PDP, the platform under which he won the 2022 Osun governorship election. By Wednesday, he had already secured the Accord Party’s governorship ticket, setting the stage for a highly competitive race in the 2026 election.

The governor will now face contenders from the All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP, and a coalition under the African Democratic Party, in what political observers expect to be a defining contest for his political trajectory.

Despite concerns that contesting under a less dominant political party could derail his re-election bid, Adeleke expressed confidence that his performance in office will speak louder than party labels.

According to him, Osun residents have become more discerning and will vote based on competence rather than party influence.

> “Osun people are wiser. They know the difference between good governance and bad governance,” he said.
“We are not even talking about parties right now—the party is just a platform. When they compare the records of what my predecessor did with what I have done, it is clear. They suffered unpaid salaries; I came in and brought hope. I brought light to Osun State.”

Adeleke stressed that his achievements in infrastructure, welfare, and governance reforms would form the foundation of his campaign, noting that the electorate will judge him by his “track record, not party colour.”

Addressing fears about “federal might” influencing the upcoming election, the governor dismissed such concerns. He noted that he won the 2022 governorship race while in the opposition and believes a similar outcome is achievable in 2026.

> “Our president is a democrat. He has been in opposition before and still won. So why can’t I do that?” he said.
“I was in the opposition when I won last time, and it’s not going to be different.”

Adeleke concluded by expressing unwavering belief in the power of the electorate, stating that the people of Osun will ultimately decide his fate based on their desire for progress and continuity.

> “The people will decide. I believe they will return me to office because of my track record.”