Adeleke’s 2026 Bid: Accord Party Emerges Strong Option — Oyinlola

 

Former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, says the political platform Governor Ademola Adeleke will use for his 2026 re-election bid will be determined upon the governor’s return from his foreign trip.

Speaking on Oro Oselu, a political programme on Rave FM, Osogbo, monitored by Patriotic Insights News, Oyinlola dismissed speculations about Adeleke’s next political move but confirmed that the Accord Party stands out as a credible alternative amid growing uncertainties in the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.

The former governor admitted that Osun stakeholders had once weighed the possibility of defecting to the All Progressives Congress, APC, but said he made it clear he would not follow such a move due to his experience with the party’s leadership.

According to him, the APC “does not honour agreements,” recalling that despite his central role as Secretary of the New PDP in the coalition that formed the APC, he “got nothing in return.”

Oyinlola stressed that his decision to move with Adeleke depends solely on the platform chosen.

“If it is a party that does not align with my principles, I will not go,” he said. “If the option were APGA, it would be a one-shot venture. But the Accord Party is a fair choice. I know its foundation and the role former President Olusegun Obasanjo played in its emergence.”

He further disclosed that the African Democratic Congress, ADC—where some prominent politicians have recently pitched tent—did not meet early expectations and still suffers unresolved internal issues.

On the crisis rocking the PDP at the national level, Oyinlola hinted that the turmoil could jeopardize the party’s nomination processes ahead of the 2026 gubernatorial election. He, however, revealed that the reconciliation committee he belongs to has successfully resolved disputes in four out of six affected states.

Turning to national issues, the ex-governor expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s deteriorating economy and worsening insecurity. He questioned the effectiveness of the Federal Government’s policies.

“Has the economy improved? Are Nigerians eating better today? The insecurity is everywhere,” he said, adding that what transpired in Nigeria recently “would have led to resignations in any serious country.”

He argued that the growing anxiety over national security was why statements such as former U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks were even possible.

While acknowledging that no administration can satisfy everyone, Oyinlola insisted that Adeleke’s government has made visible impacts in Osun.

Reports indicate that Governor Adeleke may dump the PDP ahead of the December 15, 2025 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, for the submission of governorship candidates’ names for the August 8, 2026 Osun election.

Oyinlola said Osun people will be duly informed once the governor returns and consultations are concluded.