Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke is reportedly leaning toward the Accord Party as his likely platform for the June 2026 governorship election, DAILY GAZETTE has gathered from multiple sources within his political camp.
The move comes amid deepening uncertainty surrounding Adeleke’s standing in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and unsuccessful attempts to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Currently in the United States for what aides describe as medical reasons, Adeleke is expected to decide his political direction upon his return.
With INEC’s December 15 deadline for party primaries fast approaching, his window for choosing a platform is narrowing.
Adeleke, who won the 2022 election on the PDP’s platform, has struggled to navigate the party’s widening national leadership crisis.
The PDP is now split between two powerful blocs, one loyal to new National Chairman Tanimu Turaki and backed by Governors Seyi Makinde and Bala Mohammed, and another aligned with Nyesom Wike and Senator Samuel Anyanwu.
Adeleke’s conspicuous absence from the Turaki faction’s convention in Ibadan this month has further fueled speculation about his likely exit from the party.
Before considering the Accord Party, Adeleke allegedly explored a defection to the APC, with negotiations reportedly reaching an advanced stage.
A draft agreement allocated four of Osun’s nine House of Representatives seats to him, along with influential positions such as Chief of Staff.
However, sources say the plan collapsed at the last minute when presidential aides aligned with former Governor Gboyega Oyetola opposed Adeleke’s entry.
He was also reportedly asked to sever ties with ex–Interior, Minister Rauf Aregbesola, who supported him in 2022 but remains a divisive figure within the APC.
Despite publicly distancing himself from Aregbesola, accusing him of mismanaging civil servants’ welfare and leaving behind contentious policies, the APC leadership still rejected Adeleke’s overture.
A subsequent attempt to negotiate through the African Democratic Congress (ADC) also failed, with Adeleke reportedly viewing the party’s conditions, including deputy governor and chief-of-staff nominations, as excessive.
With both PDP and APC options shrinking, the Accord Party has emerged as Adeleke’s most viable alternative.
Members of his inner circle confirm that the party is now the frontrunner for his re-election bid.
Former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a major ally and political mentor to Adeleke, reinforced the speculation during a radio interview in Osogbo.
He ruled out returning to the APC, citing unfulfilled promises and described Accord as “a fair and credible option,” noting his familiarity with its origins and founders.
He added that discussions would be concluded upon Adeleke’s return to Nigeria.
Osun APC spokesperson, Kola Olabisi said the party’s rejection of Adeleke was necessary to maintain internal stability.
“His entry would have caused disaffection. We already have a working structure, and bringing him in would destabilize the party,” he said, adding that the APC already has strong aspirants ahead of 2026.
From the PDP side, state chairman Bisi Sunday downplayed the crisis, expressing confidence that the party would resolve its internal issues before the primaries.
“PDP will survive this moment. A day in politics is long, and we still have time,” he said.
A political science scholar at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, Dr. Lanre Sikiru Nurudeen, said the national PDP crisis has complicated Adeleke’s chances of running under the party.
He noted that Adeleke faces limited options and may need to consider reconciliation with Aregbesola, though such a move carries political risks.
“The governor is in a tight corner. The coming weeks will determine his political future,” he said.
Nurudeen added that the Presidency might still intervene, cautioning that the APC would prefer to avoid a scenario where Adeleke aligns with Aregbesola, given the latter’s political influence in Osun.
