Former Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has said that a final decision on the political platform Governor Ademola Adeleke will use for his 2026 re-election bid will be taken when the governor returns from an overseas trip.
Oyinlola made the remarks while addressing speculation about the governor’s potential defection to another party ahead of the upcoming governorship election.
Speaking during a live interview on the Rave FM Osogbo programme Oro Oselu, monitored on Monday, the former governor described the Accord Party as a fair option for Adeleke.
He explained that any political move Adeleke makes would depend on whether the chosen party aligns with his principles, adding that he would not defect to a platform he does not believe in.
Oyinlola said he previously resisted a proposal for Adeleke and his supporters to join the All Progressives Congress, APC, stressing that he would not have accompanied the governor to the party.
He stated: “There was a time we considered moving to the APC, but I informed them I know that party well and would not follow them there. My stance remains the same.
“The APC does not honour promises. As secretary of the New PDP during the formation of the APC, I received nothing for my efforts. My decision to move with Adeleke depends on the party we choose.”
He noted: “If we were to opt for APGA, it would be a one-shot chance. The Accord party is a fair option. I know how the Accord party was formed and its founder, Olusegun Obasanjo.”
Oyinlola also mentioned his role in forming the African Democratic Congress, ADC, adding that the party had unresolved issues despite attracting prominent politicians.
He disclosed that the Osun Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, stakeholders would meet Adeleke upon his return to deliberate and announce their decision to the public.
Addressing internal disputes within the PDP, Oyinlola said disagreements in four out of six affected states had been resolved by the committee handling reconciliation.
Reports indicate that Adeleke may leave the PDP to seek re-election, although he has not publicly announced his preferred party.
The Independent National Electoral Commission has set December 15, 2025, as the deadline for political parties to submit candidates’ names for the August 8, 2026, Osun governorship election.