By John Umeh
In a dramatic political realignment in Osun State, 25 members of the State House of Assembly have formally left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and declared allegiance to the Accord Party, significantly reshaping the political structure of the legislature.
The mass defection, announced on Friday, comes months after Governor Ademola Adeleke exited the PDP in December 2025 to join the Accord Party ahead of the forthcoming August 15 governorship election, for which he has already secured clearance from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The lawmakers’ decision was confirmed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Olamide Tiamiyu. According to the statement, the legislators reached the resolution after extensive internal deliberations and consultations with political stakeholders and their constituents.
Following their parliamentary session, the lawmakers proceeded to formally present themselves before Governor Adeleke and senior members of the Accord Party at the Banquet Hall, where the Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, officially announced their defection.
The legislators pledged their continued loyalty to the governor and expressed confidence in his leadership, emphasizing their commitment to delivering effective representation, strengthening transparency, and promoting responsive governance for the people of Osun State.
They also called on their supporters across the state to remain resolute and join them in what they described as a new political direction aimed at ensuring stability and sustained progress.
According to the statement, the lawmakers had quietly disengaged from the PDP weeks earlier after what was described as careful reflection and wide-ranging consultations. They explained that their move was motivated by a desire to align with a political platform they believe offers a stronger and more inclusive foundation for governance and development.
The legislators further stated that joining the Accord Party would enable them to better serve their constituents and contribute meaningfully to the state’s advancement, noting that their decision was guided by the collective interest of the people.
The development has drastically altered the balance of power in the Osun State House of Assembly. With 25 out of the 26 members now in the Accord Party, the legislature is left with only one opposition member, Femi Popoola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), making him the sole non-Accord lawmaker in the Assembly.
The sweeping defection underscores the growing political influence of the Accord Party in Osun State and signals a major shift in the state’s political landscape ahead of the crucial governorship election.
