Defections rock APC, SDP in Osun as leaders back Adeleke ahead of poll

A fresh wave of defections has hit the opposition in Osun State, as prominent figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Esa Oke, Obokun Local Government Area, dumped their parties for the Accord Party, declaring support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid just as the governorship election was rescheduled. The development, which underscores shifting political alignments in the run-up to the August poll, coincided with the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to move the Osun governorship election from August 8 to August 15, 2026. Leading the defections are Oni Olayinka, a former Ward 07 councillor; Ogunsakin Bukola, who previously served as a ward representative to federal lawmaker Wole Oke; Seyi Omojowogbe; Ajiboye Adegbite, a former ward representative on non-indigene affairs; Oluwasesan Sunday; and Akogun Tayo. Their exit from the APC and SDP signals a potential erosion of grassroots structures in Obokun, a politically strategic local government in the state. The defectors were formally received by the Chief of Staff to the governor, Kazeem Akinleye, who represented Adeleke at the event. Akinleye attributed the defections to what he described as the governor’s “inclusive leadership style, developmental strides, and people-oriented governance,” noting that such attributes continue to attract support across party lines. In their remarks, the defectors pledged full loyalty to the Accord Party and committed to mobilising voters at the grassroots to ensure Adeleke secures a second term in office. Their defection adds momentum to the governor’s re-election campaign, particularly in rural constituencies where political loyalty often determines electoral outcomes. Reacting to the development, Pelumi Olajengbesi, a lawyer and convener of the Imole Grassroots Mobilisation Network—a political support group advocating Adeleke’s re-election—described the defections as a major setback for the APC. According to him, the movement further consolidates Adeleke’s growing influence in Obokun and strengthens the Accord Party’s grassroots machinery ahead of the election. Olajengbesi also took aim at the APC’s campaign structure, arguing that the appointment of Wole Oke as Director General of the party’s governorship campaign would weaken its chances. He claimed that defeating the APC candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, had become “cheaper and easier” under the current arrangement. The upcoming election is shaping into a high-stakes contest between Oyebamiji of the APC and the incumbent, Adeleke, who is contesting under the Accord Party following his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in December 2025. Adeleke subsequently secured the Accord Party’s governorship ticket. With INEC’s rescheduling of the poll, political actors now have an additional week to consolidate support, intensify campaigns, and recalibrate strategies. Analysts say the timing of the defections could have ripple effects across other local governments, particularly if more opposition figures follow suit. Read also:INEC adjusts timetable, fixes deadline for campaign in Osun guber poll As the race tightens, the battle for Osun’s top seat is increasingly defined by shifting alliances, grassroots mobilisation, and the ability of candidates to maintain party cohesion in the face of growing political realignments.