Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has explained why he dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Accord Party, saying the move was driven by concerns for his personal safety and the stability of the state.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Adeleke insisted that his decision was not a betrayal of the PDP, a party he says he still respects deeply. Instead, he described the defection as a necessary step to ensure continuity in the progress his administration has made since 2022.
“It’s not true that I abandoned the PDP. I love the PDP, but I have to protect myself,” he said.
“I have to make sure I protect my state because of the good work we’ve been doing, so that we can continue.”
Adeleke officially resigned from the PDP some weeks back and later joined the Accord Party, where he secured the party’s governorship ticket the following day. He will now face candidates of the APC, PDP and a coalition under the African Democratic Party in what promises to be a decisive 2026 governorship race.
Responding to concerns that contesting under a smaller party might affect his chances of re-election, Adeleke expressed confidence that his performance in office will outweigh party labels.
According to him, the people of Osun are now “wiser” and more focused on good governance than political party popularity.
“Osun people know the difference between good governance and bad governance, and they have decided to follow the Imole path. The conversation is about me, not about the party,” he said.
He argued that comparing his administration to that of his predecessor shows a clear contrast, particularly in the areas of workers’ welfare and development projects.
“I came in and brought hope, I brought light. My records will speak for themselves,” he added.
Adeleke dismissed fears that the ruling party at the federal level could use its influence against him in 2026. He noted that he won the 2022 election while in the opposition and believes he can repeat the feat.
He praised President Bola Tinubu as a “democrat” who himself once triumphed from the opposition.
“He stood his ground and won. So why can’t I do that? I was in the opposition when I won last time, and it won’t be different,” he said.
Adeleke maintained that the ultimate power lies with the people of Osun, expressing confidence that voters will return him to office because they believe in his leadership and want continuity.
“People will decide. I believe they will bring me back because of my track record,” he stated.
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