Court Ruling on Accord Party Casts Doubt on Adeleke’s Re-Election Bid — APC

The Osun State Governorship Campaign Council of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the recent Federal High Court judgment deregistering the Accord Party has raised fresh questions over Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid in the August 15, 2026 governorship election.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Head of its Media and Publicity Committee, Oluremi Omowaiye, the council said it had taken note of the court ruling and the directive to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take necessary steps in line with the judgment.

The APC campaign council said it respected the authority of the court and the principles of constitutional democracy, but maintained that the ruling carries significant implications for Adeleke, who is seeking a second term on the platform of the Accord Party.

“Unless and until the decision of the Federal High Court is set aside by a competent appellate court, Governor Ademola Adeleke will not be contesting the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State under the banner of Accord,” the statement read.

According to the council, the judgment could also affect other candidates sponsored by the party for state and national legislative elections, describing the development as a major setback for the governor’s political ambitions.

The APC further argued that, beyond the court ruling, there are unresolved legal disputes concerning the national leadership of the Accord Party.

“Aside from the Federal High Court ruling, there are ongoing legal disputes over the national leadership of the Accord Party. If the courts eventually recognise an opposing faction, INEC could be unable to accept Adeleke as the party’s validly nominated governorship candidate.

“The crisis over the authentic leadership of the party is yet to be conclusively resolved. The governor’s political challenges stemmed from unresolved legal issues that predated his entry into the party.”

The council also claimed that Adeleke’s potential absence from the ballot would deny voters the opportunity to assess his administration through the electoral process.

It alleged that residents of the state have faced economic hardship, challenges in the education and health sectors, and job losses under the current administration.

The APC campaign council further accused the Adeleke administration of mismanaging public resources and alleged that several government projects and financial transactions would require future scrutiny.

Referencing the N99.5 billion Ede Airport project, the alleged diversion of a N2 billion Federal Government grant meant for buses, payments to alleged ghost workers, and the management of public revenue, the council insisted that issues of accountability would remain regardless of the outcome of the governorship election.

“Even if Governor Adeleke escapes the verdict of the electorate because he is disqualified from the race, he cannot escape the long arm of justice and the inevitable demand for accountability,” the statement added.

The council urged residents of Osun State to remain peaceful, vigilant, and committed to democratic principles ahead of the August 15 governorship election.