Adeleke Cites Personal Safety as Reason for Leaving PDP

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…Adeleke expressed confidence that his performance in office would earn him a second term in the 2026 governorship poll.

OSUN, NIGERIA- The iNews Times | Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has justified his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party to the Accord Party, saying the decision was driven by the need to protect his personal safety and preserve the state’s stability.

Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Adeleke said he did not turn his back on the PDP, a party he still respects, but opted to prioritise continuity in Osun’s progress.

“It’s not true that I abandoned the PDP. I love the PDP, but I have to protect myself. I must also safeguard my state so that the good work we’re doing can continue,” he said.

Adeleke formally joined the Accord Party on Tuesday after resigning from the PDP, the platform on which he won the 2022 governorship election. He secured the AP governorship ticket the following day.

He is now set to face candidates from the All Progressives Congress, the PDP, and the African Democratic Party coalition in what is expected to be a pivotal contest for his political future.

Responding to concerns that running under a less prominent party might weaken his re-election chances, Adeleke expressed confidence that his performance in office would earn him a second term in the 2026 governorship poll.

According to him, Osun residents have become “wiser” and can clearly distinguish “good governance from bad governance,” insisting that the election will be determined by candidates, not party labels.

“Osun people know the difference between good and bad governance, and they’ve chosen the Imole path. It’s me they’re talking about. The party is only a platform,” he said.

“When they compare my predecessor’s record with mine, including their experiences with unpaid salaries, my achievements will speak for themselves. I brought hope and light back to Osun State.”

Adeleke said he is unbothered by fears of “federal might,” arguing that he won the 2022 governorship election while in the opposition and expects a repeat performance in 2026.

“I believe the president is a democrat. He has been in opposition before and still prevailed. I also won while in opposition, so why should this be different?” he said.

The governor maintained that the “people will decide,” expressing confidence that voters will return him to office based on his “track record” and their desire for sustained progress.