Six Osun reps quit PDP, join Adeleke in Accord

Six members of the house of representatives elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) from Osun state have defected to Accord.

The lawmakers announced their defection on Monday during the party’s stakeholders’ meeting in Osogbo, the capital of Osun.

According to NAN, the defectors are Mahruf Adewale (Osogbo federal constituency), Bamidele Salam (Ede federal constituency), and Soji Adetunji (Ikirun federal constituency); Mudashiru Lukman Alani (Iwo federal constituency), Lanre Oladebo (Irewole/Isokan federal constituency), and Clement Akanni (Boluwaduro/Ifedayo/Ila federal constituency).

Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Akanni said they joined the party to support Adeleke’s re-election bid.

In his remarks, Adeleke said his decision to join Accord followed spiritual guidance he received during a period of turmoil in the PDP.

“I love the PDP, but I had to leave to avoid being trapped ahead of my re-election,” the governor said.

“I confided in some leaders I trust, and we began consultations and prayers over the situation. We were eventually guided to the Accord party. As you can see, the party is first on the ballot.

“You should vote massively for the Accord party, and victory will be guaranteed for us. I thank the PDP family because I am part of that family.”

Adeleke left the PDP for the Accord in December, amid the leadership tussle in the opposition party.

In February, Adewale Egbedun, speaker of the Osun house of assembly, 24 members of the state’s legislature; and Moshood Adeoti, a former secretary to the state government (SSG), also quit the PDP for Accord.

In a post on X on Monday, Adeleke said leaders and members of the PDP in Osun endorsed his re-election bid.

“Your endorsement is not just political support; it is a powerful affirmation of the work we have accomplished together for the people of Osun,” Adeleke wrote.

“I humbly accept this endorsement and the confidence reposed in me. As we move forward under the platform of the Accord, I remain fully committed to consolidating our achievements and delivering even greater development.”

Adeleke added that with the people’s support, he will be re-elected in the August 15 governorship election.