Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has emerged as the governorship candidate of the Accord Party for next year’s governorship election.
Adeleke, the only aspirant in the primary held in Osogbo, polled 145 votes out of 150 cast by delegates drawn from the state’s 30 local government areas.
Announcing the result of the primary, the Secretary of the electoral committee, Abdulazeez Salaudeen, said five votes were voided.
“The electoral committee has delivered on its mandate. After voting and counting, witnessed by the agents of the candidate and the officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission.
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“Having the highest number of votes, I declare Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke as the winner of the primary,” Salaudeen said.
Present at the event are Adeleke, his deputy, Kola Adewusi, and several political appointees.
A heavy security presence, including armed police and Department of State Services operatives, was deployed, while INEC officials observed the exercise.
Notably absent were Osun State PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi; the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Wale Egbedun; state lawmakers; and members of the National Assembly elected under the PDP platform.
The Accord Party’s national leadership, led by its chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, also attended the primary.
Adeleke had on Tuesday announced his defection to the Accord Party and disclosed his intention to seek a second term.
“I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely on November 6, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation with stakeholders and opinion leaders,” he said.
Adeleke explained that he joined Accord because the party’s mission of welfarism aligned with his focus on public welfare.
In a video on social media, the governor, holding the party flag, adorned the cap of Accord with the inscription: ‘Imole’ – his political slogan.
He said: “Today, we unveiled the Accord Party, our 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.
“I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, precisely, on 6th November 2025, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026.
“This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations 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 ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends, which have been applauded at home and abroad.
“Since I joined, I have been fascinated by the philosophy of this great party.
“The primary essence of a government is the welfare and well-being of the people.”
There was jubilation in Rivers Government House after Fubara announced his defection to his supporters.
The governor led the excited supporters in singing the anthem composed by Asiwaju Tinubu’s fans: ‘On your mandate we stand.’
He explained that the party’s philosophy of welfarism aligns with his focus on citizens’ and workers’ welfare, and pledged to continue delivering good governance and democratic dividends.