Former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola has advised Governor Ademola Adeleke. He believes Adeleke stands a better chance for re-election with the Accord Party. This is preferable to the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Oyinlola shared his views on Rave FM’s Yoruba talk show. He stated that the ADC lacks political strength. It cannot mount a serious governorship campaign in Osun State.

Oyinlola’s comments align with recent concerns. Kamorudeen Ajisafe raised these. Ajisafe is the PDP National Deputy Vice Chairman (South-West). He warned that the PDP’s ongoing crisis could hinder its ability to nominate a candidate for the 2026 governorship election.

Oyinlola suggested the Accord Party. He sees it as a stable and credible platform. This would be for Governor Adeleke, should he leave the troubled PDP.

He also mentioned that the governor would finalize defection plans after returning to Nigeria.

The former governor dismissed other options. He sees defection to the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) or the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) as unlikely. Such moves, he argued, would stir unnecessary ethnic sentiment.

Oyinlola on Adeleke’s Predicament and PDP Crisis

“The events in our party concern everyone,” Oyinlola stated. “However, Governor Ademola Adeleke will resolve his predicament under these circumstances.”

“Our governor seeks re-election,” he continued. “The national crisis in the PDP is uncertain.” Oyinlola recalled a similar situation in Zamfara. “A party won elections from governor to councillor,” he explained. “After their victory, it was ruled that their nomination forms were improperly signed. The mandate was then given to our party, the PDP.”

“This serves as a precedent for Osun’s current situation,” he noted. “INEC guidelines mandate primaries to conclude by December 15, 2025.” He highlighted that the PDP’s crisis remains unresolved. “When the governor returns, we will finalize discussions,” Oyinlola affirmed. “We have been talking.”

“If he decides to decamp, it will be public knowledge,” he added. “Our main concern is ensuring Governor Adeleke’s good work continues.”

Dismissing APC and Other Alternatives

“Party elders previously met,” he revealed. “We discussed a possible move to the APC.” Oyinlola then expressed personal reservations. “I have worked with the APC before,” he stated. “I understand their tendencies. Therefore, I cannot follow the governor to the APC.” He cited a lack of integrity. “They do not honor agreements,” he lamented. “They never honored agreements with me, despite my sacrifices in creating the party.”

Oyinlola reiterated his commitment. “I will follow the governor to any party he chooses,” he affirmed. “This is based on my personal conviction.” He then dismissed APGA. “Moving to APGA is like entering ‘one chance’,” he warned. “If I proposed APGA, wouldn’t people accuse me of selling them to the Igbo tribe?”

“ADC is not a strong platform,” he emphasized. “How many governors do they have? This is a key factor in making a choice.” He also labeled NNPP. “NNPP is a Hausa party,” he said. “The Accord party is a better option.” He admitted Accord also lacks a governor. “But they will face limited campaign calumny,” he concluded.

“I know the history of the Accord Party,” Oyinlola explained. “Olusegun Obasanjo established it, making it manageable.” He reflected on ADC’s origins. “We co-created ADC,” he stated. “However, it fell short of our expectations. I believe its issues remain unresolved, despite having prominent members like David Mark.”