Some leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Esa Oke, Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, have defected to the Accord Party and declared support for Gov. Ademola Adeleke ahead of the August governorship election.
The defectors, who announced their move on Thursday, include former Ward 07 councillor Oni Olayinka; Ogunsakin Bukola, a former ward representative to federal lawmaker Wole Oke; Seyi Omojowogbe; Ajiboye Adegbite; Oluwasesan Sunday; and Akogun Tayo.
They were received on behalf of the governor by his Chief of Staff, Kazeem Akinleye, who credited Adeleke’s decision to join the Accord Party and his administration’s record of “inclusive leadership” and “people-driven governance” as reasons for their defection.
The new members pledged loyalty to the Accord Party and said they would mobilize grassroots support for Adeleke’s re-election bid.
Pelumi Olajengbesi, convener of the Imole Grassroots Mobilisation Network, described the defections as evidence of growing support for Adeleke in Obokun Local Government Area and a setback for the APC ahead of the poll.
He also said the APC’s chances had weakened in the area, citing internal party dynamics and campaign coordination issues.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shifted the Osun State governorship election by one week, moving it from Aug. 8 to Aug. 15, 2026.
The APC’s candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, and other contenders are expected to challenge Adeleke, who is seeking re-election under the Accord Party after leaving the Peoples Democratic Party in December 2025.
