Osogbo, Osun State In a significant political development, six members of the House of Representatives from Osun State have formally left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to join the Accord Party. The defection, announced on Monday, March 2, 2026, is expected to reshape the state’s political landscape ahead of the upcoming gubernatorial election.
Clement Akanni, representing Boluwaduro/Ifedayo/Ila Federal Constituency, spoke on behalf of the defectors. He predicted a strong victory for Governor Ademola Adeleke in the August 15 election, urging Accord Party members and supporters to vote and actively monitor the electoral process.
Akanni confirmed the lawmakers who have moved to Accord Party include:
•Mahruf Adewale (Osogbo Federal Constituency)
•Bamidele Salam (Ede Federal Constituency)
•Soji Adetunji (Ikirun Federal Constituency)
•Mudashiru Lukman Alani (Iwo Federal Constituency)
•Lanre Oladebo (Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency)
Governor Adeleke, who also defected from the PDP, explained that his move was influenced by both political and spiritual guidance, aimed at avoiding obstacles to his re-election.
Meanwhile, other recent PDP defections include Hon. Abdullahi El-Rasheed, who joined the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and two Taraba senators, Haruna Manu and Shuaibu Lau, who also moved to the APC, deepening the PDP’s internal challenges in both the South-West and North-East regions.
The series of defections underscores the shifting alliances ahead of the 2026 elections, signaling a period of intense political activity across Nigeria.
