THE DEFECTION OF GOVERNOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE TO ACCORD PARTY: A POLITICAL TREMOR IN OSUN AND BEYOND By- Olayinka Olatunbosun, Ph.D

In a move that has sent shockwaves across Nigeria’s political landscape, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has announced his defection from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party, triggering renewed conversations about party cohesion, future electoral dynamics, and the shifting sands of southwest politics.

Though long-speculated in political circles, Adeleke’s cross-carpet declaration marks one of the most consequential defections in recent years—one that could redefine political alignments not only in Osun but also within the broader national opposition bloc.

Insiders say the governor’s decision did not arise overnight. Persistent tensions between Adeleke’s inner circle and powerful blocs within the PDP national leadership escalated over the past months.
Sources allege disagreements over control of party structures, candidate selections for the 2026 governorship cycle, and unresolved internal rivalries dating back to the 2022 primaries.

Analysts note that the governor’s relationship with key PDP figures had grown increasingly strained, leading to speculations that a political realignment was imminent. The governor’s camp reportedly felt “undermined” by forces in Abuja who allegedly sought to curtail his influence in Osun.

The choice of Accord Party—traditionally a smaller platform—appears strategic.

First, the party offers Adeleke unbridled control of the structure, something the PDP could no longer guarantee.
Second, Accord Party has historical pockets of support in Oyo and parts of Osun, making it a viable refuge for aggrieved politicians seeking autonomy.

Political scientist Dr. Kehinde Olawale suggests that “Adeleke’s movement is less about ideology and more about securing a loyal political base ahead of 2026.”This echoes broader concerns that Nigeria’s party system remains personality-driven rather than issue-driven.

Adeleke’s departure is a significant blow to the PDP, which has already been grappling with internal fractures, defections, and leadership tussles since the 2023 general elections.

The Osun governor has been one of the PDP’s most visible performing executives, often cited as a model of populist governance and youth appeal. His exit leaves the party vulnerable in a key southwest state—one of the few where it still retains gubernatorial control.

Party stakeholders fear that his defection might inspire similar moves among legislators, commissioners, and local government powerbrokers aligned with him.

The defection sets the stage for a dramatic political showdown ahead of the 2026 governorship election.
With Adeleke now anchoring a new political platform, the ballot could evolve into a four-way contest among Accord Party, ADC, APC, and PDP.

The Osun electorates, known for its unpredictability, will ultimately determine whether Adeleke’s gamble pays off.

NATIONAL STAKES: WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR 2027?

A sitting governor’s defection reshapes national political arithmetic.

For the opposition, Adeleke’s exit deepens concerns about consolidating enough strength to challenge the ruling bloc in 2027.
For Accord Party, this marks its biggest breakthrough yet—potentially giving it a bargaining chip ahead of coalition talks.

If Adeleke succeeds in stabilizing his new base, Accord Party could transform from a fringe player into a significant negotiating force.

REACTIONS FROM KEY STAKEHOLDERS

Political leaders were quick to respond:

• PDP leaders expressed “shock and disappointment,” urging the governor to reconsider.

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• Accord Party officials hailed the move as “the dawn of a new political era for the southwest.”

• APC chieftains described the defection as proof of PDP’s “deepening crisis.”

On social media, reactions are deeply divided, with supporters celebrating the move as “bold and liberating,” while critics call it “political opportunism.”

CONCLUSION

The defection of Governor Ademola Adeleke to Accord Party is more than a change of party membership—it is a seismic political event.
It underscores Nigeria’s fluid political landscape and highlights the importance of internal party democracy, loyalty, and structure control.

For Osun State, it signals the beginning of a heated political season.
For Nigeria, it is a reminder that in politics, alliances are temporary, interests are permanent, and nothing is ever settled.

Dr. Olatunbosun was the Labour Party Candidate in Ife East Local Government for the Osun State House of Assembly election in 2023.