Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, his deputy, Kola Adewusi, and several political appointees were present on Wednesday as the Accord Party commenced its governorship primary in Osogbo.
Security was tight at the venue, with armed police operatives and officials of the Department of State Services taking strategic positions.
Independent National Electoral Commission officials also monitored the exercise.
State officials, including commissioners, special advisers, and senior special assistants, attended the primary.
The national leadership of the Accord Party was represented by the party’s national chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem.
PUNCH Online reports that Adeleke announced his defection to the Accord Party on Tuesday, declaring his intention to seek re-election in 2026 under the new platform.
A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, noted that the announcement was made at the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Osogbo, in the presence of national and state leaders of the Accord Party.
Adeleke said, “I joined the Accord Party more than a month ago, preciselyon November 6th, as a platform to seek re-election in 2026. This was after weeks of consultation and deliberations with stakeholders and opinion leaders.
“Stakeholders and residents of Osun state are aware of why we are taking this important decision. We intend to pursue a second term in office on the platform of the Accord Party to complete ongoing delivery of good governance and democratic dividends, which have been applauded at home and abroad.
“We opted for the Accord Party because its mission of welfarism aligns with our passionate focus on citizens and workers’ welfare.”