Osun Assembly dismisses rumours of mass defection

The Osun State House of Assembly has dismissed reports alleging that no fewer than 18 lawmakers are planning to defect from the Accord platform, describing the claim as inaccurate and misleading.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Assembly said the publication was riddled with misinformation and insisted that no member of the House is considering leaving the platform.

The statement, signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Olamide Tiamiyu, also clarified what it described as a fundamental error in the report, noting that the lawmakers belong to Accord and not the Accord Party, as stated in the publication.

According to the statement, “the Honourable members of the House are members of Accord and not the Accord Party as erroneously stated in the report,” adding that the mistake reflected “the confusion and misinformation that underpins the entire publication.”

The Assembly further dismissed claims of an internal crisis within the platform, noting that recent developments have addressed any concerns about leadership or stability.

“It must be stated unequivocally that there is no crisis within the party. The recent publication by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of candidates for the forthcoming gubernatorial election has since put to rest any insinuations of internal instability or leadership uncertainty,” the statement said.

Responding to claims attributed to unnamed sources in the report suggesting discontent among lawmakers, the Assembly described the allegations as unfounded.

Assertions such as “There is no clear leadership direction at the moment. The issue of who is in charge is still in court, and that uncertainty is affecting everyone” were described as baseless.

The Assembly said such claims “exist only in the imagination of those intent on misleading the public.”

It also rejected allegations that some lawmakers were reconsidering their membership due to dissatisfaction with the party’s structure, insisting that the narrative did not reflect the reality within the Assembly.

Addressing reports about the resignation of the lawmaker representing Iwo State Constituency, Hon. Adesina Atanda Rabiu, the statement said the situation had been misrepresented.

“For the record, the Honourable member has since withdrawn his resignation, thereby nullifying any attempt to portray his earlier action as a sign of a wider crisis,” the statement added.

The Assembly also denied claims that lawmakers representing constituencies including Olorunda, Ifelodun, Ifedayo, Ila, Ife South, Ife East, Aiyedire, Olaoluwa, Ayedaade, Ilesa East, Osogbo, Ede South, Orolu/Irepodun, Ife Central and Egbedore were planning to leave the platform.

“No member of the House is defecting,” the statement stressed.

It further dismissed suggestions that the alleged defections could weaken the platform or alter political alignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing such claims as speculation presented as analysis.

Reaffirming unity within the legislature, the Assembly said it remains united under the leadership of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, and focused on its legislative responsibilities and the development of the state.

The Assembly urged members of the public to disregard the report, describing it as a politically motivated fabrication aimed at misleading the public.