Osun Poll: Accord Faction Backs APC’s Oyebamiji, Dumps Adeleke

The factional leadership of the Accord Party has withdrawn its support for Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke and endorsed the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate, Bola Oyebamiji, ahead of Saturday’s election.

The development occurred on Thursday during the APC mega rally held in Osun State, just two days before the August 15 governorship poll.

The factional Accord Party National Chairman and presidential candidate, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, announced the decision at the rally, calling on members of the party across Osun State to support Oyebamiji at their respective polling units.

Imumolen also made a public show of his support for the APC candidate by removing the yellow cap associated with the Accord Party and putting on an APC cap during the event.

The move came after Imumolen had previously supported Adeleke in the Osun governorship race. His latest position now places the faction of the Accord Party behind Oyebamiji as the state prepares for the election.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who attended the rally on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, also acknowledged the development. He said the information available to him indicated that the Accord faction had abandoned its previous position and chosen to support the APC candidate.

Akpabio assured residents that security agencies would be deployed adequately during the election to protect voters and prevent harassment. He also urged voters to freely choose their preferred candidates and encouraged Osun residents to consider cooperation between the state government and the Federal Government.

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, who was also present at the rally, urged APC supporters to remain committed to the party and vote for Oyebamiji. He appealed to party members and other residents to avoid violence before, during and after the election.

Oyebamiji, while addressing supporters, promised that an APC administration under his leadership would focus on improving the lives of residents if he wins Saturday’s election.

Several senior APC figures attended the rally, including the party’s National Chairman, Prof Nentawe Yilwatda, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, former Osun State Governor Bisi Akande and former Osun State Deputy Governor Iyiola Omisore.

The latest endorsement comes days after Imumolen announced his withdrawal from the 2027 presidential contest and declared support for President Bola Tinubu’s bid for another term.

The Osun governorship election is scheduled for Saturday, August 15, with Adeleke, Oyebamiji and candidates of other political parties competing for the state’s top political office.