The Osun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke as its preferred candidate for the August 15, 2026 governorship election, despite his defection to the Accord Party.
The endorsement was announced on Monday, March 2, 2026, during an enlarged stakeholders’ meeting of the PDP held in Osogbo.
Osun PDP State Chairman Sunday Bisi addressed the gathering and explained that the national leadership crisis within the PDP had prevented the party from fielding its own candidate for the poll.
He emphasized that the state chapter would not allow internal disputes at the national level to hinder the progress of Osun residents.
Bisi stated that the PDP in Osun State will not allow a national leadership dispute to truncate the destiny of its people.
Bisi noted that after extensive consultations with elders, stakeholders, and leaders across the three senatorial districts, and after careful consideration of the overriding interest of Osun people, the Osun State Chapter of the PDP hereby directs all its structures, from polling units to wards, from wards to local governments, and from local governments to the state executive committee, to move en masse and give total, unalloyed, and uncompromising support to the re-election of Governor Ademola Adeleke under the platform of the Accord.
He described the decision as a defence of progress rather than a compromise of values, and as a strategic advance for the sake of Osun State.
Bisi praised Adeleke’s achievements in office, highlighting massive road infrastructure projects transforming cities such as Osogbo, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Ede, Iwo, Ila, and other communities, as well as the comprehensive primary healthcare revolution that has attracted global recognition and cumulative one million dollar cash awards.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, who is the flag-bearer of the Accord Party, spoke at the meeting and reaffirmed his affection for the PDP while explaining the reasons for his departure.
Adeleke stated that he loves the PDP but had to leave to escape being trapped in his re-election bid.
He added that he confided in some trusted leaders, began consultations, and prayed to God over the matter, which ultimately guided him to the Accord Party, noting that the party appears first on the ballot.
Adeleke urged supporters to vote massively for the Accord Party on August 15, assuring that victory is guaranteed.
He thanked the PDP family for their past support, accepted the endorsement wholeheartedly, and expressed gratitude to the Accord Party for accepting him.
The endorsement marks a significant realignment in Osun politics ahead of the governorship poll, following Adeleke’s defection to the Accord Party in December 2025 and his subsequent emergence as the party’s candidate.
Amiloaded had earlier reported that in late February 2026, twenty-five members of the Osun State House of Assembly, all elected on the PDP platform, formally defected to the Accord Party.
The group, which includes Speaker Adewale Egbedun, made the announcement after a plenary session and a subsequent declaration at the Banquet Hall in Osogbo, in the presence of Governor Adeleke and Accord Party leaders.
They cited the need for a more stable, inclusive, and people-centred platform to continue serving Osun residents, reaffirming their support for Governor Adeleke and emphasising continuity in governance and accelerated development.
The defection reduced the PDP’s presence in the 26-member House to zero, leaving only one opposition member from the All Progressives Congress (APC).
