Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun, has declared that the growing wave of defections into the Accord Party signals a strong electoral advantage ahead of the forthcoming governorship poll.
Egbedun made the assertion on Saturday during a rally in Inisa, Odo Otin Local Government Area, where more than 500 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) formally defected to the Accord Party.
Addressing party supporters at the event, the Speaker expressed optimism that the ruling party would emerge victorious, citing what he described as the administration’s track record of achievements.
“The record of success and achievement will speak, and by August 15, victory will be clear,” Egbedun said.
He also called on electoral authorities to ensure a transparent and credible voting process, stressing that the integrity of the election must not be compromised.
“Votes must count, and the process must remain free and fair. The electoral body must act as a truly public institution,” he added.
The Speaker urged party loyalists to embrace the new members, emphasising that unity would play a decisive role in the party’s success at the polls.
“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 Aare Kazeem Abdulrasheed, attributed their departure from the APC to internal dissatisfaction, alleging that the party’s structure had become overly centralised.
“We left because the party has become a sole proprietorship, controlled by one man whose leadership damaged the state,” Abdulrasheed stated.
He added that their decision was influenced by the leadership approach of Governor Ademola Adeleke, under whom they believe the state is experiencing a new direction.
The upcoming election will see Adeleke seek re-election on the Accord Party platform, while Bola Oyebamiji will represent the APC. Najeem Salaam is also in the race under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), setting the stage for a competitive contest as voters prepare to elect the state’s next governor.
