By John Dike, Osogbo
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has emerged as the candidate of Accord Party in the state’s coming governorship election.
The governor, who announced his formal decampment from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Tuesday, and was subsequently named Accord Party’s sole aspirant in its primary election, emerged at that exercise conducted in Osogbo, the state capital on Wednesday.
Specifically, Adeleke formally joined Accord Party after leaving the PDP, citing internal crises as the reason for his exit.
He was elected by about Accord Party’s 150 delegates who had converged in the state to pick the party’s governorship candidate for the 2026 election.
The delegates, comprised five representatives from each of the state’s 30 local government areas,.
In a statement on Wednesday morning, Elder Ibe Thankgod, chairman of the party’s Screening Committee, confirmed that Adeleke had satisfied all requirements to participate in the party primary.
Thankgod, who also serves as the party’s National Organising Secretary, presented a certificate of clearance to Adeleke, praising him as a deserving aspirant for the governorship.
The governor expressed his gratitude to the committee and party leadership for their recognition, saying, “I am ready for the primary, and I am ready for the general elections. We are winning by God’s grace.”
In his acceptance speech as the party’s candidate, Adeleke said: “Distinguished delegates, party leaders, esteemed members of the Accord Party, and the good people of Osun State, it is with a profound sense of gratitude to Almighty God and to you, the delegates of our great party, that I accept my nomination and election as the governorship candidate of the Accord Party for the 2026 elections.”
He conveyed his heartfelt appreciation to the leadership of the party and to delegates from all the 332 wards of Osun State, describing their confidence in him as deeply humbling.
His words, “Today marks the launch of our journey to consolidate progress, good governance, and democratic dividends in Osun State.
“My candidacy represents the continuation of the golden movement, a movement where the light of development continues to shine across our state. We commit ourselves to relentless service to our people.”
The governor added that Osun must never return to “the dark days of unfulfilled promises,” noting that over the last three years, his administration had transformed aspirations into achievements.
He challenged opponents to run on their records, questioning what they had delivered during their time in government and what legacy they left for the people.
Adeleke alleged that in their time in office, his opponents failed the people, their parties, and even themselves.
He highlighted his administration’s achievements over the past three years:
He said:
Osun moved from 33rd position under the APC government to 7th place in a national examination rating;
The infrastructure deficit, previously over 80% in 2022, has been reduced by more than 40% as of 2025, according to experts;
Over 40 percent of Osun’s inherited debt has been repaid, verified by the Debt Management Office; and
The state now leads the South West in access to primary healthcare, a fact widely reported.
“Our governance proves that leadership can genuinely serve the people and deliver real results. We are committed to meeting the aspirations and needs of our citizens,” he said.
Adeleke unveiled an upgraded five-point agenda for the upcoming elections:
- Integrated Citizens and Workers’ Welfare, infrastructure
- Consolidation for Economic
- Prosperity, increased Agro-Industrial Expansion for Youth Empowerment,
- innovations in Health, Education, and Social Care, and
- Improved Business Environment for Job Creation.
He expressed confidence in victory: “Once again, I sincerely thank you for this nomination. By God and by man, I vow to lead our great party to victory in Osun State.”
Earlier, the National Chairman of Accord Party, Barrister Maxwell Ngbudem presented the party’s flag to Adeleke whom he described as a man who is well loved by his people and will win the incoming Governorship election come August 8, 2026
