The factional national chairman of the Accord Party, Christopher Imumolen, has announced the withdrawal of the party’s support for Governor Ademola Adeleke.

Mr Imumolen said the party had endorsed the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of Saturday’s election.

He made the declaration on Thursday at the APC mega rally in Osogbo, saying the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) had resolved to support Mr Oyebamiji.

The endorsement came against the backdrop of the Accord Party’s suspension of its mega rally earlier scheduled for Wednesday.

Mr Imumolen urged Accord Party members across the state to vote for Mr Oyebamiji and the APC in Saturday’s governorship election.

He said, “As chairman of the Accord Party, and with all our National Working Committee members here present, we withdraw our support for Gov. Ademola Adeleke and support Oyebamiji.

“All our members are enjoined to vote for Oyebamiji and the APC in Saturday’s election.”

Also speaking, the chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma, said the APC was on the verge of victory in the election.

He, however, urged the people of Osun to align with the federal government by joining the 31 states governed by the APC.

“Vote Oyebamiji, vote prosperity, vote Osun for the state to be prosperous. We 31 state governors are in the state in solidarity and to welcome the state to the fold of the progressives,” Mr Uzodinma said.

“The party is already on the verge of victory. Vote on Saturday and don’t be intimidated by their waves of violence,” he said.

Mr Oyebamiji, while addressing supporters at the rally, pledged to run a people-oriented administration focused on improving residents’ lives and delivering tangible dividends of democracy.

He said the next administration would prioritise good governance and the welfare of the people, declaring that the era of politics without corresponding impact on citizens must end.

“Our government that will be elected on Aug. 15, 2026, will be a government of the people, and we will stand on your mandate.

“No dance anymore, but strict governance. I have the mandate to touch the lives of the people of Osun,” he said.

Also speaking, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy and APC leader in Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, urged the electorate to support Mr Oyebamiji, describing him as tested and trusted.

Mr Oyetola said Mr Oyebamiji’s track record distinguished him from other candidates in the race.

“Let’s support Oyebamiji. His track record is there compared to how other candidates have fared,” he said.

(NAN)