Osun 2026: PDP Backs Adeleke’s Second-Term Bid Despite Accord Defection
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State has announced its decision to support Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid ahead of the August 8, 2026, governorship election, despite his recent defection to the Accord Party.
State PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi, disclosed this during an interview in Osogbo, stating that the party’s entire structure has resolved to work for Adeleke’s second term, even though he now flies the Accord Party flag.
Adeleke recently left the PDP for the Accord Party, where he secured the party’s governorship ticket for the 2026 poll.
Bisi clarified that he has not defected from the PDP and remains the party’s chairman in the state until the expiration of his tenure in 2027. He, however, emphasized that the PDP has formally endorsed Adeleke and is committed to ensuring his victory.
“I have not decamped to any political party. I remain the PDP chairman in Osun State. But the entire structure of the PDP in Osun is behind Governor Ademola Adeleke. We have endorsed him for a second term, and we will ensure he wins convincingly,” Bisi said.
When asked about the PDP’s governorship candidate, Adebayo Adedamola (popularly known as FRYO), the party chairman played down his candidacy, insisting that the PDP would channel its full support toward Adeleke’s re-election under the Accord Party.
Addressing concerns about possible accusations of anti-party activities, Bisi dismissed such fears, arguing that cross-party endorsements are not unusual in Nigerian politics. He cited past political alliances and endorsements as precedents, maintaining that the PDP’s support for Adeleke does not amount to anti-party conduct.
Meanwhile, former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has distanced himself from Adeleke’s defection, reaffirming his loyalty to the PDP.
Oyinlola made his position known at the second matriculation ceremony of Alolade Oyinlola College of Health Sciences and Information Technology in Okuku, Osun State, where about 90 new students were admitted.
He stated that Adeleke’s move to the Accord Party would not influence his political stance, stressing that he remains firmly rooted in the PDP.
“I will not leave the PDP unless the party ceases to exist. I am not following Demola to Accord. At my age, I cannot be pushed around. I am gradually withdrawing from active politics,” Oyinlola said, noting that he will turn 75 in February.
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