Oyinlola Suggests Accord Party as Possible Platform for Adeleke’s Re-Election

Former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola has stated that a final decision on the political platform Governor Ademola Adeleke will use for his 2026 re-election bid will be made upon the governor’s return from an overseas trip.

Oyinlola spoke amid speculation about Adeleke potentially defecting to another party ahead of the upcoming governorship election. During a live interview on Rave FM Osogbo’s Oro Oselu programme on Monday, the former governor described the Accord Party as a viable option for Adeleke.

He explained that any political move would depend on whether the chosen party aligns with Adeleke’s principles, adding that he would not support a platform he does not believe in. Oyinlola also revealed that he had previously resisted a proposal for Adeleke and his supporters to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), stressing that he would not have accompanied the governor to the party.

“There was a time we considered moving to the APC, but I informed them I know that party well and would not follow them there. My stance remains the same. The APC does not honour promises. As secretary of the New PDP during the formation of the APC, I received nothing for my efforts. My decision to move with Adeleke depends on the party we choose,” Oyinlola said.

He noted that while the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) could be a one-time option, the Accord Party is a fair alternative, citing his familiarity with its formation and founder, Olusegun Obasanjo. Oyinlola also referenced his role in forming the African Democratic Congress (ADC), noting that the party still has unresolved issues despite attracting prominent politicians.

Oyinlola disclosed that stakeholders of the Osun Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) plan to meet with Adeleke upon his return to deliberate and announce a decision publicly.

Addressing internal disputes within the PDP, he said disagreements in four of the six affected states had been resolved by the party’s reconciliation committee.

Reports indicate Adeleke may leave the PDP to seek re-election, although he has not yet publicly confirmed his preferred party. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has set December 15, 2025, as the deadline for parties to submit candidates’ names for the Osun governorship election scheduled for August 8, 2026.