Osun Guber: Accord Party Gaining Strength Ahead of Poll – Speaker

The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, has said the growing support base of the Accord Party signals a strong position ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

Egbedun made the remark on Saturday during a rally in Inisa, Odo Otin Local Government Area, where over 500 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) defected to the Accord Party.

Addressing supporters, the Speaker expressed confidence that the party would secure victory at the polls, citing what he described as the administration’s performance record.

“The record of success and achievement will speak, and by August 15, victory will be clear,” he said.

He also called on electoral authorities, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to ensure transparency in the conduct of the election.

“Votes must count, and the process must remain free and fair. The electoral body must act as a truly public institution,” he added.

Egbedun urged party members to integrate the new entrants, stressing that unity would be critical ahead of the election.

“I welcome our brothers and sisters who have joined us. Party faithful should work together with them for the progress of the state,” he said.

The defectors, led by Kazeem Abdulrasheed, attributed their decision to internal dissatisfaction within the APC, alleging that decision-making in the party had become concentrated in the hands of a few individuals.

“We left because the party has become a sole proprietorship, controlled by one man whose leadership damaged the state,” Abdulrasheed said.

He added that the group was attracted by the leadership style of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The forthcoming election will see Adeleke seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord Party, while Bola Oyebamiji will represent the APC. Najeem Salaam is also contesting under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), as voters prepare to elect the state’s next governor.