Osun 2026: Adeleke’s aides and Accord chieftains switch to APC

By Shina Abubakar, Osogbo

As the August 15 governorship election in Osun State approaches, several aides of Governor Ademola Adeleke and key figures from the Accord Party have switched allegiance to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Among those who joined the APC are Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Market Affairs, Mr. Moyoade Lukman, and Senior Special Assistant in the Governor’s Office, Mr. Azeez Kazeem.

Other defectors include Accord Party House of Representatives aspirant for Ife Federal Constituency, Dr. Leye Olagbaju; the party’s youth leader in Ife Central Local Government Area, Asamo Gbenga; and Mr. Ojuolape Olagbaju.

Speaking to journalists at Ileri‑Oluwa House in Osogbo, Dr. Olagbaju said his move to the APC stemmed from his belief that APC governorship candidate Mr. Bola Oyebamiji is capable of driving Osun State’s growth and development.

“We will deploy the political structures we have built over the years to support the ambition of Mr. Bola Oyebamiji and, by the grace of God, ensure his victory in the August 15 election. He is capable and possesses the qualities of a prepared leader,” he said.

Mr. Lukman added that returning to the APC felt like a homecoming to a progressive political family, noting that his experiences outside the party had influenced his decision.

APC Campaign Council Director‑General Mr. Wole Oke welcomed the defectors and assured them that the party would offer them equal opportunities.

He emphasized that the APC’s main priority remains winning the upcoming governorship election and that more aides of Governor Adeleke are reportedly preparing to join the party.

“We have more aides of Governor Ademola Adeleke who are ready to submit their resignations. We even have commissioners who are coming. At the appropriate time, we shall present them to the public,” Oke said.

The defections come as political parties ramp up campaigns and realignments ahead of the closely watched Osun governorship election.