A former All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial aspirant for Osun West, Peter Ogundeji, has defected to the Accord Party, citing the performance of Governor Ademola Adeleke as the reason for his decision.

Ogundeji announced his defection on Wednesday at the Government House open field in Osogbo, where he led thousands of his supporters into the Accord Party.

He said his decision to leave the APC followed his assessment of Adeleke’s administration, adding that he would support the governor’s bid for a second term.

“The tremendous work he is doing in Osun State encouraged me to join this party today and support his re-election bid,” Ogundeji said.

The Ejigbo-born politician said his earlier decision to join the APC was based on what he described as a limited understanding of the political environment, noting that he had since become convinced by Adeleke’s achievements.

Ogundeji also withdrew his previous criticisms of the governor’s administration, saying they were made in the heat of political competition.

“Any statement made against your government was politically motivated. You have done well, Mr Governor. In terms of welfare, our civil servants, retirees and workers can testify to that,” he said.

He further criticised the APC’s internal structure, alleging that the party favoured influential individuals in the selection of candidates, a situation he claimed affected his participation in its primary election.

Ogundeji urged other APC members to support Adeleke’s re-election bid, expressing the belief that the governor’s performance had earned him wider acceptance among political stakeholders.