Barring last minute change, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke of Nigeria’s South-West region has finalized plans to join the Accord Party following increasing internal tensions within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) after its convention, which was boycotted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to internal political sources familiar with ongoing negotiations, Governor Adeleke, who rose to national prominence after winning the 2022 Osun governorship election, has been in discreet discussions with key Accord Party stakeholders over the last few days. The development follows what party insiders described as the PDP’s “horrible outing” at its crisis-ridden national convention.
Signals of a possible move intensified after several PDP blocs within Osun reportedly expressed frustration over the party’s worsening national leadership struggle and the lingering factional battles that have strained its cohesion across Nigeria.
Political observers in Osun say Adeleke’s expected defection is connected to growing concerns about the PDP’s ability to stabilize ahead of future national and state elections. Some insiders also argue that the governor is seeking a more predictable platform to consolidate his political structure before the next electoral cycle.
In addition, there’s high possibility that some members of the Osun State House of Assembly might decamp alongside him, as a number of lawmakers within the ruling party in the state are said to be holding parallel consultations. These lawmakers reportedly fear that remaining within the PDP could weaken their political standing should the crisis deepen.
If the move materializes, it would mark one of the most significant defections in Osun politics in recent years, reshaping the political landscape and potentially repositioning Accord Party as a major force in the state ahead of upcoming elections.
More details are expected as consultations continue.