Adeleke Clinches Accord Party Ticket, Unveils Expanded Agenda for Osun’s 2026 Governorship Race

 Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday secured the Accord Party’s governorship ticket after a primary election conducted in Osogbo. The exercise, which was monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) alongside several observer groups, saw the governor emerge unopposed.

A total of 150 ballots were recorded, with Governor Adeleke receiving 145 valid votes, while five were declared invalid. Accepting the nomination, he noted that his administration’s performance over the past three years, coupled with strong public support, would position the Accord Party for a decisive victory in the 2026 gubernatorial contest.

During the event, Adeleke presented an enhanced five-point development blueprint that will guide his campaign. The updated agenda focuses on:

1. A unified welfare structure for citizens and public-sector workers,
2. Strengthening infrastructure to boost economic growth,
3. Expanding agro-industrial projects to create opportunities for young people,
4. Driving innovation in health, education, and social services, and
5. Improving the business climate to stimulate job creation.

Speaking to party members and supporters, the governor framed his candidacy as a continuation of what he described as a transformative era for Osun State. He stressed that the next election would determine whether the state maintains its current trajectory of development or returns to what he called “an era of stagnation.” Adeleke reiterated that his administration has prioritized practical governance, stating that the last three years have been marked by the fulfillment of promises rather than political rhetoric.

He challenged opposition parties to present their own track records for public scrutiny, arguing that previous administrations left behind unmet promises, mismanaged resources, and internal party conflicts. According to him, these failures have led to widespread disenchantment among voters and even within opposition ranks.

Adeleke highlighted several achievements of his government, including improvements in Osun’s national education rankings—from 33rd position under the previous administration to 7th during his tenure. He also cited data indicating that his government has reduced the state’s infrastructure deficit by more than 40 percent since 2022, settled over 40 percent of inherited debts as verified by the Debt Management Office, and achieved top performance in access to primary healthcare across the Southwest.

“These accomplishments,” he said, “prove that governance can be people-centered and that leadership can truly reflect the aspirations of citizens.” He emphasized that the 2026 election is not just about defending his record but about unveiling a new phase of development anchored on innovation and expanded service delivery.

Presenting the certificate of return, Accord Party National Chairman, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem, praised the primary process, describing it as a demonstration of the party’s commitment to transparency and internal democracy. He characterized Adeleke’s emergence as providential and expressed confidence that the governor would win re-election by a significant margin in 2026.