By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo
No fewer than 500 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have defected to the Accord Party during the re-election campaign rally of Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, held in Egbedore Local Government Area on Friday.
Residents of the local government, who turned out in large numbers despite heavy rainfall, also endorsed Governor Adeleke’s bid for a second term, citing what they described as the significant achievements of his administration.
Addressing supporters at the rally in Awo, the headquarters of the local government, the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Hon. Sunday Bisi, said the turnout despite the persistent rain demonstrated the people’s commitment to returning Governor Adeleke to office.
According to him, the rainfall symbolised divine approval for Adeleke’s re-election bid.
“The rain that fell today is a shower of blessings and a testament that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid has been endorsed by God’s mercy. God has already given us His blessing for August 15, 2026, and victory is assured,” Bisi said.
He disclosed that the Accord Party had received more than 500 defectors from the APC and ADC, led by Yekini Ademola and Pastor Seyi Adeosun.
Bisi further claimed that the APC was facing internal challenges ahead of the election.
“The APC is in disarray. The party is a carcass now; they are only left with hoodlums who will be fomenting trouble ahead of the election,” he alleged.
Also speaking at the rally, Hon. Bamidele Salam urged residents of Egbedore to support Adeleke’s re-election, arguing that the local government had benefited immensely from the current administration.
“Since 1999, Egbedore has never enjoyed government attention like it has under Governor Adeleke’s administration. He appointed our own son as Commissioner for Finance, alongside three Special Advisers and several Senior Special Assistants,” Salam said.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, former APC chieftain Yekini Ademola said he decided to leave the party despite alleged pressure to remain.
“I am tired of the APC. They threatened me, but my mind is already made up. I thank Hon. Bamidele Salam for his support. We will work to ensure the victory of Governor Adeleke,” he said.
In his remarks, Governor Adeleke thanked the people of Egbedore for their continued support and confidence in his administration, assuring them that more people-oriented infrastructure projects would be delivered to improve their standard of living.
The governor pledged to sustain his administration’s developmental agenda if re-elected for a second term.