Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has formally defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party, declaring that his decision was driven by personal safety concerns and the need to safeguard governance continuity ahead of the 2026 election.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Adeleke insisted his move was not an abandonment of PDP but a defensive necessity. “I did not abandon PDP. I love PDP, but I have to protect myself. I have to make sure I protect my state because of the good work we’ve been doing so that we can continue,” he said.

He dismissed fears that contesting under Accord—a lesser-known platform—would weaken his chances, arguing that Osun voters are “wiser” and will judge candidates by their record rather than party affiliation. “Osun people know the difference between good governance and bad governance. They have suffered unpaid salaries before. I came in, I brought hope, I brought light. My record will speak for itself,” Adeleke declared.

Drawing parallels with President Bola Tinubu’s rise from opposition, Adeleke expressed confidence he could replicate his 2022 victory. “I was in opposition when I won last time. Our president is a democrat; he was in opposition and still won. So why can’t I?”

Adeleke secured Accord’s governorship ticket on Wednesday and will face candidates from PDP, APC, and the African Democratic Congress in the 2026 race. His exit adds to the PDP’s mounting crisis, following recent defections by Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and several lawmakers, deepening the party’s factional rift between the camps of Nyesom Wike and Atiku Abubakar.