Despite defection to Accord Party, Osun PDP lawmakers endorse Adeleke ahead of guber poll

Members of the National and State Assembly elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State have endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke as their preferred candidate for the August 8, 2026, governorship election, despite his defection to the Accord Party.

The lawmakers made their position known in a communiqué issued at the end of a meeting held in Osogbo on Saturday.

The communiqué was signed by Senator Lere Oyewumi, Deputy Minority Leader of the Senate.

The caucus reaffirmed its backing for the Sunday Bisi-led leadership of the PDP in the state and dismissed the existence of any parallel structure.

The lawmakers commended Adeleke’s performance in office, citing achievements in infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, healthcare, education, and democratic stability.

They noted that despite financial constraints arising from the lingering local government crisis in the state, the governor had prioritised the welfare of workers and residents.

“Having reviewed the performance of the Governor in infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, healthcare, education, and democratic stability, we unanimously endorse and give our total support to His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, for a second term in office in the interest of continuity, stability, and sustained progress for Osun State.

“His efforts in sustaining local government salary payments and continuing development projects across the state demonstrate responsible and compassionate leadership,” the communiqué read.

On the leadership crisis within the party, particularly the caretaker committee reportedly constituted by a Taminu-Turaki-led faction, the lawmakers declared that Sunday Bisi remains the authentic chairman of the PDP in Osun State.

They passed a vote of confidence in Bisi, the state working committee, and party executives across the 30 local government areas, area offices, and the 332 wards in the state.

“We say unequivocally that they remain the executives of the party in Osun State. Any individual or group parading themselves as alternative leadership does not have the backing of the duly elected National and State Assembly caucus of the party in Osun State and should not be accorded legitimacy,” the communiqué added.

The lawmakers also urged residents of the state to remain peaceful and law-abiding.