‘We Have No Factions, No Godfathers’ — Accord Woos Ademola Adeleke

The Accord Party has openly declared its readiness to welcome Osun State Governor Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke into its fold following his resignation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The party said it offers a “clean, peaceful and united platform” for the governor should he choose to pursue his second-term ambition under its banner.

Adeleke shocked many political observers on Monday when he formally resigned his membership of the PDP, citing deepening crises within the party’s national leadership as his major reason. His exit has triggered intense interest among political parties eager to attract a sitting governor with strong grassroots appeal and significant electoral value across Osun State.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Accord Party leadership said the governor would find a home in a party with “no factions, no internal warring blocs, and no godfathers imposing candidates or hijacking structures.” The party described itself as the “most stable alternative” for any serious-minded politician looking for a platform built on fairness, openness, and collective decision-making.

According to the Accord Party, Adeleke’s resignation from the PDP represents “a bold and courageous step” for a leader who has endured years of internal conflicts, power tussles, and leadership battles within the party. The statement noted that the governor’s commitment to peace and good governance aligns with Accord’s guiding principles.

Party officials emphasized that Adeleke would not be subjected to the kind of internal sabotage and political infighting that have plagued his former party. The Accord Party also stressed that it has no political godfathers who dictate the direction of the party or impose candidates against the will of members.

“Accord is the only party in Osun State today where every member has equal voice,” the statement read. “Our doors are wide open to Governor Adeleke. If he chooses Accord as his next political home, he will meet a united structure ready to work with him, not fight him.”

Political analysts say the invitation is not surprising. With Adeleke’s popularity among civil servants, youths, market women, and grassroots voters, several parties have been eyeing him as a potential asset ahead of the next governorship election. His decisive victory in the 2022 election and his administration’s ongoing reforms—especially in workers’ welfare, infrastructure renewal, and digital innovation—have made him one of the most influential political figures in the state.

Adeleke’s resignation from the PDP has also exposed deeper cracks within the party. For months, there have been signs of tension between state-level loyalists of the governor and powerful national actors within the PDP who continued to struggle for control of party structures and the allocation of political appointments. The governor had repeatedly raised concerns about lack of unity and what he described as “deliberate undermining” from certain quarters.

In his resignation letter addressed to the PDP leadership, Adeleke said he could no longer remain in a party where internal disputes had overshadowed governance priorities. He noted that the ongoing leadership crisis at the national level had made it impossible for him to operate effectively as governor.

“Whatever distracts from good governance and the welfare of the Osun people must be set aside,” he wrote.

Adeleke did not indicate his next political destination, but sources close to the governor say he is consulting widely before making a decision.

While the Accord Party’s message appears strategic, political watchers believe the governor will be cautious. A move to Accord would significantly alter Osun’s political landscape, especially if key PDP stakeholders in the state follow him. Accord currently has a modest presence in Osun, but with Adeleke’s entry, the party could instantly become a major force.

Meanwhile, the Osun APC has described Adeleke’s resignation as “a sign of confusion,” but political analysts note that such reactions are expected as parties scramble ahead of the coming election cycle.

For now, the governor has remained silent about which platform he intends to use for his re-election. However, he has assured Osun residents that his commitment to governance remains unchanged regardless of political developments.

“I remain focused on delivering dividends of democracy,” he said through his spokesperson. “Party issues will never distract me from my duty to the people.”

As consultations continue, Osun’s political climate is heating up. If Adeleke eventually chooses the Accord Party, it may redefine alliances, intensify campaign strategies, and create new power blocs ahead of the next governorship contest.

For now, all eyes are on the governor’s next move — one that may reshape Osun politics in unexpected ways.