Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has defended his decision to leave the Peoples Democratic Party for the Accord Party, insisting the move was driven by concerns for his security and the need to safeguard ongoing development in the state.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, December 10, Adeleke said his departure should not be interpreted as abandoning the PDP.
According to him, he remains fond of the party but had to make a choice he considered necessary.
“It’s not true that I abandoned PDP. I love PDP, but I have to protect myself.
“I have to make sure I protect my state because of the good work we’ve been doing so that we can continue,” he said.
Adeleke resigned from the PDP on Tuesday and formally joined the Accord Party, where he secured the governorship ticket the following day.
He will now compete against candidates from the APC, PDP and the African Democratic Party coalition in the 2026 election.
Responding to claims that contesting on a smaller platform might weaken his chances, he expressed confidence that his performance would persuade voters to keep him in office.
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He argued that voters now judge candidates, not parties.
“Osun people are wiser. They know the difference between good governance and bad governance, and they have decided to toe the Imole path; it is me they are talking about.
“We are not even talking about parties right now; the party is just the platform… my records, first of all, will speak for themselves,” he said.
Adeleke dismissed concerns about federal influence, saying he overcame similar challenges in 2022.
“Well, I believe our president is a democrat… I was in the opposition when I won last time, and it’s not going to be different,” he said.
He added that “the people will decide,” expressing confidence that his record and the public’s desire for continuity will secure his re-election.