Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has explained that his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party was driven by deepening internal crises within the PDP and the need to safeguard his political future as the 2026 governorship election approaches.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today after formally announcing his move, Adeleke said he still “loves the PDP,” but the party had become too unstable for him to rely on.
> “I did all the best I could do, but I love my state, Osun State,” he said. “Assuming you don’t need a platform to secure any nomination, it would have been a different case. But you need a platform and time is running out. I don’t know what would happen in the future because of all the court cases.”
He said the PDP’s internal troubles were worsening and had become disruptive to governance.
“Everything seemed to be falling apart every day. So, as a reasonable person, I had to make a decision: where do I go from here? That’s why I chose the Accord Party.”
Adeleke rejected claims that he defected for personal political gain, insisting his decision was aimed at ensuring stability in Osun State.
“It’s not true that I abandoned the PDP. I love the PDP, but I have to protect myself and protect my state so we can continue the good work we’ve started.”
The governor officially joined the Accord Party on Tuesday at the Government House Banquet Hall in Osogbo, in the presence of party leaders. The Accord Party’s screening committee has since cleared him to contest its governorship primary.
His defection comes days after a resignation letter dated November 4 surfaced online on December 1, shortly before the PDP held its primary that produced Adebayo Adedamola as candidate.
