APC And SDP Leaders In Esa Oke Defect To Accord Party, Declare Support
APC and SDP Leaders in Esa-Oke Defect to Accord Party, Declare Support for Adeleke’s Re-election Bid Political realignment in Obokun LGA as opposition figures dump APC and SDP, back Osun governor ahead of August governorship poll A wave of political defections has hit Esa-Oke in the Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State as leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) have officially defected to the Accord Party, pledging support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid.
The development comes just months ahead of the August governorship election, further reshaping the political landscape in the state as parties intensify grassroots mobilisation. The defectors, drawn from both APC and SDP structures in Ward 7 of Esa-Oke, announced their decision during a local political gathering where they declared full allegiance to the Accord Party.
Prominent among those who switched parties are former ward councillors, political representatives, and grassroots mobilisers who previously held influential roles within their respective parties. They cited confidence in Governor Adeleke’s leadership style and developmental agenda as the key reason for their defection. The group openly declared support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s second-term ambition, describing his administration as people-focused and development-driven. They pledged to mobilise voters at the grassroots level to ensure strong turnout for the governor in the upcoming election. The defectors also said their decision was influenced by what they described as visible infrastructural progress and inclusive governance across the state
The Accord Party, which has recently gained prominence in Osun politics following Adeleke’s alignment with the party, continues to attract political figures from opposition parties. Party stakeholders say the latest defections signal growing acceptance of Adeleke’s leadership beyond traditional party lines.
Political observers note that the move could weaken opposition structures in Obokun LGA, a key electoral area in Osun East. The defection has sparked discussions within local political circles, with analysts suggesting it reflects ongoing realignments ahead of the governorship election. Supporters of the move describe it as a strategic consolidation of political forces in favour of the incumbent governor, while opposition figures are expected to respond with renewed mobilisation efforts. The Osun governorship election, scheduled for August 2026, is expected to be closely contested, with major parties intensifying campaigns across all local government areas. Obokun LGA remains a politically significant region due to its voter population and historical influence in determining electoral outcomes in the state
