Accord Will be on the Ballot, Your Votes Will Count, and I Will be Re-elected on August 15-Gov. Adeleke Reassures Osun Residents

 Sunday Okunade

Thousands of Accord Party supporters and stakeholders from across Nigeria gathered at Freedom Park in Osogbo, Osun State, for a major political event marked by celebration and enthusiasm. The gathering featured a three-in-one programme comprising the official launch of the Imole Second Term Campaign, the formal reception of new defectors from the All Progressives Congress (APC), and the endorsement of Governor Ademola Adeleke for a second term by various groups and unions across the state.

While speaking, Governor Ademola Adeleke reassured residents of Osun State that the Accord Party will be on the ballot in the August 15 governorship election, stressing that every vote will count. He expressed confidence in securing re-election, saying all lawful measures have been taken to protect the rights of citizens to vote and be voted for. The governor added that he would remain resolute and would not succumb to any forces seeking to undermine the democratic process.

Highlighting his administration’s achievements, Adeleke said Osun had improved significantly in education, moving from 33rd position in NECO rankings in 2022 to 7th place in 2024 and 2025. He also noted that the state won the Primary Health Care Challenge in both years, earning $500,000 each time, while also recording progress in water supply, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, and infrastructure development across the state.

The governor promised to build on his five-point agenda and deliver more dividends of democracy if given a second term. He appealed for continued support and cooperation from residents, saying collective efforts were needed to move the state forward and sustain ongoing development.

Adeleke also congratulated PDP-elected chairmen and councillors following a Federal High Court judgment that dismissed a bid for tenure extension by removed APC local government officials. He reiterated his directive to the Commissioner of police, Ibrahim Gotan to end protection for what he described as the illegal occupation of council secretariats. He called on United Bank for Africa to account for allegedly diverted council funds.

The state helmsman however, assured new members who recently joined the Accord Party of equal opportunities and inclusive governance.

During the event, the National Chairman of the Accord Party, Barrister Maxwell Ngbudem, formally presented the party’s flag to Governor Adeleke as its candidate for the forthcoming governorship election. He commended the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental achievements across Osun State and urged residents to support his re-election bid. According to Ngbudem, a second term would enable the governor to build on the successes recorded during his first tenure.

In his welcome address, the Director-General of the Imole Campaign Council, Akogun Lere Oyewumi, expressed appreciation to party members, supporters and guests who attended the programme. He described the event as significant to the party’s preparations for the governorship election and said it would strengthen efforts toward securing another mandate for Governor Adeleke. Oyewumi also offered prayers for the governor’s success in the August 15 governorship election, expressing confidence that the campaign would receive widespread support across the state. He noted that the unity displayed at the gathering reflected the growing momentum behind the governor’s re-election campaign.

Speaking at the event, the Deputy Director General of the Campaign Council, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, addressed concerns surrounding a Federal High Court judgment that reportedly ordered the deregistration of some political parties, including the Accord Party. He argued that the ruling was inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution and disclosed that an appeal had already been filed. Alimi reassured party members and residents that the Accord Party would remain on the ballot for the August 15 governorship election in Osun State.

Several prominent political figures who recently defected from the APC and other political parties also delivered goodwill messages. Among them were former Special Adviser on Education to former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, Jamiu Olawumi; former Commissioner for Education, Bamisayemi Oladoyin; former Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Yemi Lawal; and Chairman of the APC Elders Caucus, Alhaji Kareem Afolabi. They described their defection as a move aimed at promoting development and progress in Osun State and pledged to work actively for Governor Adeleke’s re-election.