Osogbo, Osun State – February 27, 2026 – In a major political shift ahead of the 2026 governorship election, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, and 24 other lawmakers have officially defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party.
The mass defection occurred on Friday following a closed-door meeting inside the Assembly complex in Osogbo, the state capital. The move leaves only one member of the 26-seat House—the sole All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker—remaining outside the Accord Party fold, effectively aligning the legislative arm overwhelmingly with Governor Ademola Adeleke's new political platform.
Sources close to the lawmakers indicated that the decision stemmed from extensive consultations and internal deliberations over recent days. Discussions about leaving the PDP reportedly began shortly after Governor Adeleke defected from the PDP to the Accord Party in November 2025, as he positioned himself for re-election in the August 8, 2026, governorship poll. The final resolution came this week, influenced by adjustments to the national election timetable released by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and ongoing internal disagreements within the PDP.
A lawmaker, speaking on condition of anonymity, explained that the group prioritized political unity with the governor. “The feeling was that it is better to move together and stay politically united with the governor,” the source said. The lawmaker added that remaining in the PDP risked weakening their prospects in future elections, particularly given the governor's influence and the strategic advantages of aligning with his chosen platform.
Speaker Egbedun led the crossover, demonstrating leadership in consolidating support for Governor Adeleke's administration. The governor had earlier resigned from the PDP in early November 2025, citing internal crises within the party, and formally joined the Accord Party as a vehicle for his second-term bid. Adeleke announced the move publicly on December 9, 2025, describing the Accord Party as a new platform aligned with his welfare-focused governance agenda for Osun State.
The Speaker’s spokesperson, Mr. Olamide Tiamiyu, confirmed the development in a statement shortly after the meeting. He disclosed that 25 out of the 26 members of the House had now joined the Accord Party, with official documentation and additional details to be made public in the coming days. Tiamiyu emphasized that the decision reflected a collective commitment to sustaining the progress recorded under Governor Adeleke's leadership.
Security was heightened around the Assembly complex as news of the defection spread, though proceedings remained calm and orderly with no reported incidents. The development follows a pattern of political realignments in Osun, where Governor Adeleke's exit from the PDP had already prompted speculation about follow-on movements from elected officials loyal to him.
The Accord Party, a relatively smaller national party often symbolized by the "thumb up" gesture, has gained significant traction in Osun following Adeleke's defection. The governor was screened and cleared as the sole aspirant for the party's governorship ticket shortly after his crossover, positioning him strongly for the 2026 race. The mass defection of the Assembly members further bolsters the party's structure in the state, providing legislative backing and reducing potential opposition from within the House.
This shift comes amid broader political dynamics in Nigeria, where defections have become common as governors and lawmakers seek better alignment for electoral advantages and resource access. In Osun, the move is seen as a strategic consolidation ahead of the governorship election, potentially weakening the PDP's foothold in the state while strengthening Adeleke's re-election prospects.
The PDP, which had controlled the governorship and a majority in the Assembly since 2022, now faces a diminished presence in Osun's political landscape. Party leaders have not yet issued a detailed official response to the defections, though earlier statements from PDP figures had expressed confidence in retaining influence despite Adeleke's exit.
Analysts view the development as part of a trend where incumbent governors leverage party switches to maintain control over state machinery, especially when facing internal party challenges or seeking fresh platforms. For Osun residents, the realignment could influence legislative priorities, budget approvals, and oversight functions in the lead-up to the 2026 polls.
Governor Adeleke's administration has focused on infrastructure, education, security, and welfare programs, earning recognition in areas such as road rehabilitation, teacher recruitment, and youth empowerment. The unified political front with the Assembly is expected to facilitate smoother implementation of these initiatives.
As Osun prepares for the governorship contest, this defection underscores the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where loyalty to individual leaders often supersedes party affiliations. The Accord Party's growing dominance in the state legislature signals a potential realignment that could shape the electoral battleground significantly.
Further statements from the Accord Party leadership and responses from opposition groups, including the PDP and APC, are anticipated as the situation evolves.
