By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Twenty-five of the 26 members of the Osun State House of Assembly, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have defected to the Accord Party.
According to a statement signed by Olamide Tiamiyu, the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, the defection was announced by the lawmakers on Friday, February 27, after the parliamentary meeting.
The lawmakers’ defection comes after the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, defected from the PDP to the Accord Party in December 2025, and has been cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to contest the August 15 governorship poll.
With the defection of the 25 PDP lawmakers to the Accord Party, the 26-member Osun Assembly is left with Mr Femi Popoola, elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the only opposition lawmaker in the House.
In the statement, the lawmakers said they reached the decision to join Adeleke in the Accord Party to reaffirm their commitment to quality representation and responsive leadership.
The statement read, “After the parliamentary meeting, they proceeded to the Banquet Hall to meet with the governor and top Accord Party leaders, where the formal declaration was officially made by the Speaker.
“They reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Governor, His Excellency Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, and their commitment to quality representation, transparency, and responsive leadership.
“The defecting members also urged their supporters and well-wishers to remain steadfast and join them as they embark on this new political chapter.
“They further noted that their decision to join the governor’s party was aimed at ensuring continuity in governance and accelerating development for the people of Osun State.”
The statement further noted that the members had resigned from the PDP weeks ago, adding that after “deep reflection and extensive consultations with supporters, political associates and key stakeholders, they resolved to align with Accord.”
According to the statement, the lawmakers stressed the importance of identifying with a political party that reflects the values they hold dear.
It noted that the lawmakers explained that the move was driven by a determination to advance the collective interests of the people and sustain development across the state.
