The Osun State chapter of the Accord Party has firmly restated that Governor Ademola Adeleke remains the party’s only recognised and legitimate candidate for the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for August 8.
Speaking with journalists in Osogbo on Thursday, the State Chairman of the party, Victor Akande, dismissed reports suggesting the emergence of another governorship candidate as false and misleading. He described the alleged candidature of Clement Bamigbola as a distraction that holds no legal or political weight within the party.
According to Akande, claims of a faction within the Accord Party in Osun are entirely unfounded and do not exist within the party’s recognised structure. He maintained that any primary election purportedly conducted by such a group was invalid and should be disregarded.
“The so-called primary election organised by a non-existent faction is nothing more than a charade,” Akande said. “There is no faction within the Accord Party in Osun State as recognised by our constitution and party laws.”
He further explained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has previously handled similar attempts to create parallel party structures in states such as Anambra and Ekiti, adding that the electoral body would apply the same standards in Osun. Akande expressed confidence that INEC would not recognise any candidate outside the officially endorsed party process.
The party chairman accused those promoting the idea of a rival candidate of being political opportunists seeking relevance and financial benefit. He reassured party members and supporters that Governor Adeleke’s status as the Accord Party’s flagbearer remains unchallenged.
“Those pushing the narrative of a factional candidate are simply political jobbers looking for attention and personal gain. As far as Accord Party is concerned, Governor Ademola Adeleke has no opponent within the party,” he emphasised.
Turning his attention to the opposition, Akande downplayed the threat posed by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji. He expressed strong confidence in Adeleke’s chances of securing a second term, citing the APC’s record while previously in power.
He reminded residents of Osun State of the hardships faced under APC governance, particularly the partial payment of workers’ salaries, which he said plunged many civil servants into financial distress. According to him, the people of Osun would not be willing to return to such an experience.
“We remember how the APC governed this state. Workers were subjected to half salaries and untold hardship. Osun people will not allow a return to that era,” Akande said.
The Accord Party chairman also recalled the APC’s defeat in the 2022 governorship election, noting that the outcome reflected the will of the people. He predicted an even stronger rejection of the party at the polls in August.
“The people of Osun spoke clearly in 2022, and they will speak even louder in August. Osun has made it clear that it does not want to be dragged back into darkness,” he concluded.
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