The Accord Party has formally endorsed Governor Ademola Adeleke as its gubernatorial candidate for the 2026 Osun State elections, reaffirming that his nomination was valid and in line with party procedures. The party leadership also addressed internal controversies and expelled members who had attempted to undermine its unified stance ahead of the elections.

Adeleke Emerges Sole Candidate at Accord Party Primary

Governor Adeleke, who recently defected to the Accord Party, was the sole aspirant for the party’s 2026 governorship ticket. He emerged victorious at the party’s primary election held on December 10, 2025, securing 145 out of 150 delegate votes, marking a clear endorsement of his candidacy. His nomination comes as part of a broader effort by Adeleke to solidify his political base within the state.

Pastor Victor Akande, the Osun State Chairman of the Accord Party, issued a statement affirming that Adeleke’s nomination was valid and transparent. Akande also responded to claims from the party’s national faction, led by Prof. Chris Inumolen, who had opposed Adeleke’s candidacy.

Internal Party Dispute and Leadership Clarifications

Akande refuted the assertions made by Inumolen’s faction, specifically regarding the expulsion of Inumolen from the party for anti-party activities. He emphasized that Accord Party remains crisis-free and focused on democratic principles, stating that there was no room for godfatherism or political manipulation.

“We remain the best-organised and transparent political party in Nigeria,” Akande said, underscoring that Accord Party operates on strict discipline and values democratic fairness.

Furthermore, Akande addressed rumours about the suspension of the party’s National Chairman, Mr. Maxwell Mgbudem, confirming that these claims were completely false. He assured that the party’s National Executive Committee had passed a vote of confidence in Mgbudem, confirming his leadership role within the party.

Adeleke’s Transition to Accord Party

Adeleke officially joined the Accord Party on November 6, 2025, and received public recognition from the party on December 9, 2025. The party has maintained that Adeleke’s candidacy was formally ratified in accordance with Accord Party’s guidelines and under the supervision of officials from INEC (Independent National Electoral Commission).

“The primary election that produced Governor Adeleke as our candidate was conducted under strict guidelines and was monitored by INEC, ensuring transparency and legitimacy,” Akande confirmed.

APC Members Warned Against Divisiveness

In related developments, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and chairman of the APC Primary Election Committee called for unity among members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the party gears up for its Osun State primary ahead of the 2026 elections.

At a stakeholders’ meeting held in Osogbo, Okpebholo appealed for cohesion within the party, urging APC members to put aside internal disputes and focus on winning the 2026 Osun governorship race.

“We must unite after the primary and work towards returning Osun to the Progressive fold,” Okpebholo stated. He emphasized that the APC must end the “acrobatic dance” seen in the state’s politics and called for internal harmony following the affirmation primary scheduled for Saturday.

Key Developments to Watch for in Osun’s 2026 Race

With Governor Adeleke securing the Accord Party nomination, the 2026 Osun governorship election is shaping up to be a significant contest. The APC is likely to face stiff competition as it seeks to reclaim the state, while the Accord Party now has a high-profile candidate in Adeleke, who has already been a major figure in Osun’s political landscape.

The next steps in the race will see APC members rallying behind their party’s final primary election results, while the Accord Party continues its efforts to maintain unity within the party ranks.

The 2026 Osun governorship election is expected to be a hard-fought battle, with Adeleke and the APC set to be the key contenders.