Governor Ademola Adeleke has received a major political boost as six members of the House of Representatives and 25 members of the Osun State House of Assembly defected from the Peoples Democratic Party to the Accord Party.
The defections were announced at a stakeholders’ meeting of the Accord Party held in Osogbo, where the governor formally addressed party faithful on his decision to leave the PDP.
Adeleke explained that his exit from the PDP was influenced by what he described as political realities and deep personal reflection at a time the party was battling internal challenges.
“I love PDP but I have to leave to escape being trapped for my reelection. I confided in some of our leaders that I trust, we started consulting and praying to God over it. We were guided into Accord Party. You see that the party is the first on the ballot,” he said.
He urged supporters to mobilise across the state and work for the victory of the Accord Party in the forthcoming governorship election.
“You should vote massively for Accord Party, then victory is guaranteed for us. I thank the family of PDP because I am part of the family. I thank you all for the endorsement of today and accept it wholeheartedly. I want to thank Accord Party for accepting me,” Adeleke added.
Speaking on behalf of the six federal lawmakers, Clement Akanni, who represents Boluwaduro, Ifedayo and Ila Federal Constituency, confirmed their collective defection.
“On behalf of Mahruf Adewale representing Osogbo Federal Constituency, Bamidele Salam, Ede Federal Constituency, Soji Adetunji, Ikirun Federal Constituency, Mudashiru Lukman Alani, Iwo Federal Constituency, Lanre Oladebo, Irewole Isokan Federal Constituency, all of us from today have moved to the Accord Party,” Akanni declared.
He also called on party members to remain vigilant during the election process.
“After voting, stay behind and monitor your votes. Before you start voting, check result sheet, check ballot papers and be sure they are complete. With our projections, 80 percent votes will go to Adeleke, while the other party will get 20 percent. We will win and all of us will be alive to witness it,” he said.
Similarly, 25 members of the Osun State House of Assembly elected under the PDP platform in the 2023 general elections announced their defection to the Accord Party, saying the move would allow them to continue serving their constituents effectively.
