Six members of the House of Representatives elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State have defected to the Accord party.
The lawmakers announced their switch on Monday during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Osogbo, the state capital.
According to NAN, those who left the PDP are Mahruf Adewale (Osogbo federal constituency), Bamidele Salam (Ede federal constituency), Soji Adetunji (Ikirun federal constituency), Mudashiru Lukman Alani (Iwo federal constituency), Lanre Oladebo (Irewole/Isokan federal constituency), and Clement Akanni (Boluwaduro/Ifedayo/Ila federal constituency).
Speaking on behalf of the group, Akanni said their move was aimed at supporting Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election ambition.
In his remarks, Adeleke explained that his decision to leave the PDP was influenced by spiritual direction during a turbulent period within the party.
“I love the PDP, but I had to leave to avoid being trapped ahead of my re-election,” the governor said.
“I confided in some leaders I trust, and we began consultations and prayers over the situation. We were eventually guided to the Accord party. As you can see, the party is first on the ballot.
“You should vote massively for the Accord party, and victory will be guaranteed for us. I thank the PDP family because I am part of that family.”
Adeleke defected from the PDP to the Accord party in December amid an internal leadership crisis within the opposition party.
In February, Adewale Egbedun, Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, alongside 24 members of the state legislature and former Secretary to the State Government, Moshood Adeoti, also left the PDP for Accord.
In a post on X on Monday, Adeleke disclosed that leaders and members of the PDP in Osun had endorsed his re-election bid.
“Your endorsement is not just political support; it is a powerful affirmation of the work we have accomplished together for the people of Osun,” Adeleke wrote.
“I humbly accept this endorsement and the confidence reposed in me. As we move forward under the platform of the Accord, I remain fully committed to consolidating our achievements and delivering even greater development.”
He expressed confidence that with continued public support, he would secure victory in the August 15 governorship election.