Osun 2026: Omisore’s Kinsmen officially defect to Accord as Adeleke flags off campaign

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

Loyalists of former National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, have officially defected to the Accord Party to support the re-election bid of Governor Ademola Adeleke, citing alleged impunity within the APC as the reason for their decision.

Speaking on behalf of Omisore’s supporters across the state during the official launch of Adeleke’s re-election campaign at Freedom Park, Osogbo, on Tuesday, Hon. Folorunso Bamisayemi said they had carefully assessed the political landscape in Osun and concluded that Adeleke remained the candidate to beat in the forthcoming governorship election.

“I want to congratulate Governor Ademola Adeleke on behalf of the supporters of Senator Iyiola Omisore throughout Osun State. We have decided to join the governor and work for his re-election because of his outstanding performance and widespread acceptance among the people,” he said.

Bamisayemi recalled previous elections in the state, arguing that Adeleke had consistently demonstrated his popularity among Osun voters.

“When Adeleke stood almost alone, he defeated our party on several occasions. In 2017, he won nine out of the 10 local governments in the Osun West Senatorial election. In 2018, he came very close in the governorship election, and in 2022, he defeated the APC decisively with a margin of over 28,000 votes.”

According to him, APC leaders were repeatedly warned about Adeleke’s electoral strength but failed to heed the advice.

“It is only in the Bible that David defeated Goliath. In reality, Adeleke is the political giant in Osun State today. We told them that if they wanted a realistic chance of winning, they should present Senator Iyiola Omisore as their candidate, but they did not listen.”

He expressed confidence that Adeleke would secure victory in the next election and pledged the commitment of Omisore’s loyalists to the governor’s re-election project.

“Adeleke has done well across Osun State. From Osogbo to Ila, Iwo, Ile-Ife, Ilesa and many other communities, the impact of his administration is visible. He deserves a second term,” Bamisayemi said.

The former Commissioner for Education under the administration of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola also alleged that the opposition was uncomfortable with Adeleke’s growing popularity and was exploring alternative means to stop his participation in the election.

“The APC is afraid of Governor Adeleke because he has defeated them repeatedly. They know he is capable of defeating them again, and that is why they are exploring different options, including legal challenges. But the people of Osun have already made up their minds,” he said.

Addressing supporters at the event, Governor Adeleke declared that the people of Osun State remained fully supportive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“The support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the people of Osun State is total and unwavering. We believe in the unity of Nigeria and support every effort aimed at moving the country forward. Osun is the cradle of the Yoruba race, and we will continue to play our role in strengthening democracy and good governance,” Adeleke stated.

The governor also reassured members of the Accord Party and his supporters that the party would participate in the forthcoming governorship election despite the recent Federal High Court judgment affecting some political parties.

According to him, all constitutional and legal options are being pursued to ensure that the party remains on the ballot.

He urged party members and supporters not to be distracted by political developments but to intensify grassroots mobilisation across the state.

“Do not be discouraged by anything you hear. Remain committed and continue to mobilise. Go to your communities, wards and local governments. Speak to the people about our achievements and our plans for the future. Victory is certain because we are on the side of the people,” he said.

Governor Adeleke further urged supporters to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the campaign period and avoid actions capable of causing tension or violence.

He also called on security agencies, particularly the police, to remain professional and uphold the rule of law.

“We must all respect the rule of law. Democracy can only flourish when institutions are allowed to function independently and when every citizen has confidence in the justice system. I urge our security agencies to remain neutral and ensure that every eligible voter can exercise his or her rights freely,” the governor said.

Highlighting the achievements of his administration over the past three and a half years, Adeleke said his government had made significant progress in road construction, education, healthcare, water supply and social welfare.

According to him, hundreds of kilometres of roads have been rehabilitated and constructed across the state, while schools and primary healthcare centres have received unprecedented attention.

“Our administration has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of our people. We have invested heavily in infrastructure, education, healthcare and social services. We have paid attention to the needs of ordinary citizens, and we will continue to do more if given another opportunity to serve,” he said.

The governor added that both local and international organisations had acknowledged the developmental strides of his administration, describing the recognition as evidence that the government was on the right path.

“Go out and mobilise. Let the people know what we have done and what we intend to do. Campaign peacefully, respect the law and ensure that you vote. Every vote will count, and together we shall achieve victory,” Adeleke said.