Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, has declared that the Accord Party is gaining significant ground across the state ahead of the forthcoming governorship election.
Egbedun made the assertion on Saturday during a defection rally held in Inisa, Odo Otin Local Government Area, where more than 500 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) formally joined the Accord Party.
Addressing party supporters at the event, the Speaker expressed confidence that the growing support base would translate into electoral victory.
“The record of success and achievement will speak, and by August 15, victory will be clear,” Egbedun stated, referencing what he described as the administration’s performance in office.
He further called on electoral authorities to ensure a transparent and credible process, emphasizing that the integrity of the election must be safeguarded.
“Votes must count, and the process must remain free and fair. The electoral body must act as a truly public institution,” he added.
Egbedun also urged party members to warmly integrate the new entrants, stressing that unity and cooperation would be critical in the weeks leading up to the poll.
“I welcome our brothers and sisters who have joined us. Party faithful should work together with them for the progress of the state,” he said.
The defectors were led by Aare Kazeem Abdulrasheed, who attributed their departure from the APC to internal dissatisfaction. Speaking on behalf of the group, Abdulrasheed criticized the party’s leadership structure, alleging that decision-making had become concentrated in the hands of a few individuals.
“We left because the party has become a sole proprietorship, controlled by one man whose leadership damaged the state,” he claimed.
He noted that the group was drawn to the leadership style of Governor Ademola Adeleke, whom he praised for what he described as inclusive governance.
The upcoming election will see Adeleke seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party, while Bola Oyebamiji will contest under the APC. Najeem Salaam is also in the race, representing the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
As the campaign season intensifies, political observers say defections and alliance-building efforts are likely to shape the dynamics of the Osun governorship contest in the weeks ahead.
