Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun has formally joined the Accord Party to seek re‑election in the August  8, 2026, governorship election in the state.

A statement by Olawale Rasheed, spokesperson for the governor, on Tuesday in Osogbo, said that Mr Adeleke made the announcement at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in the presence of national and state leaders of the party.

Mr Adeleke resigned his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on December 2.

Mr Adeleke made this known in a letter dated November  4 and addressed to the chairman of the party in Sagba Abogunde, Ward 2, Ede North Local Government Area of the state.

In the letter, made available to journalists, Mr Adeleke cited persistent leadership turmoil at the party’s national level as the reason for his resignation.

The governor, however, said that he had joined the Accord Party more than a month ago to seek re‑election.

“I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely Nov.  6, as a platform to seek re‑election in 2026.

“This was after weeks of consultation and deliberation 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 the ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends, which have been applauded at home and abroad,” he added.

Mr Adeleke further explained that he opted for the party because its mission of welfarism aligns with his administration’s passion for citizens’ and workers’ welfare.

“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare.

“I welcome our party leaders into the Osun State Government House.

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

” At this historic point, our task is to sustain a united front as we prepare for the elections.

“We have a duty to ensure inclusive leadership where the interests of all groups are cared for.

“Our party, the Accord Party, is here to take over governance of Osun and sustain the delivery of good governance in our dear state,” he said.

The governor also said that since he joined the party more than a month ago, he has been fascinated by its philosophy.

“Since I joined the party more than a month ago, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party.

“The focus on people’s welfare should always be at the heart of public leadership.

“The primary essence of a government is the welfare and well‑being of the people.

” As a governor, I have prioritised the welfare of our people, from workers to the entire citizenry.

” Day and night, we implement policies and programmes to elevate the well‑being of our people.

“From infrastructure to social services, Osun has never had it so good in governance and service delivery.

“Today, we unveil the 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,” he said.

Mr Adeleke further said that the electorate in the state voted for good governance in 2022 and they would ensure continuity in 2026.

“Osun voted for good governance in 2022 and they will support continuity in 2026.

“The mass of our people are for continuity and Accord is our party for victory next year.

“In accordance with the will of our stakeholders and to accord deep respect for the wishes of the Osun people, I hereby declare for the Accord Party,” he said.

(NAN)