Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke finds himself at the center of a political storm as senior members of the Accord Party are demanding he publicly clarify his political loyalty. This comes after Governor Adeleke was reportedly appointed as the state coordinator for President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 presidential campaign, an announcement that has stirred significant unease within the party that provided him his gubernatorial platform.
The call for clarity was made in an open letter penned by Oke Sewedo, a prominent Accord leader in the Lagos West Senatorial District, and Oladeji Oluwatosin, the Lagos State Accord chairman. Operating under the umbrella of ‘Concerned Leaders of Accord, Lagos State,’ the letter was addressed directly to Governor Adeleke and the party’s national leadership, as first reported by The Punch on a recent Thursday.
A Mandate Under Scrutiny
While acknowledging Governor Adeleke’s electoral victory as a significant achievement for Accord, one that bolstered belief in the party’s potential as a credible force for governance and change, the signatories expressed deep concern. Their primary contention revolves around the ethical implications of a governor, elected on one party’s ticket, simultaneously spearheading the presidential campaign of a candidate from a rival political organization. This issue is particularly pressing as Accord itself is gearing up to field its own candidates for the upcoming election cycle.
The leaders articulated fears that such conflicting signals from Governor Adeleke could seriously demoralize party members who have invested their time and resources in strengthening Accord. Furthermore, they warned that it could erode confidence among voters and prospective candidates seeking legislative positions in Osun State, specifically for the Senate and House of Representatives.
The Path Forward: Two Clear Options
Highlighting Accord’s own presidential ambition, personified by its candidate, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, the letter stressed the critical need for a unified and coherent internal structure to ensure an effective campaign in 2027. To this end, the Concerned Leaders presented Governor Adeleke with two unambiguous choices:
- Commitment to Accord: If Governor Adeleke remains loyal to the Accord Party, he is urged to immediately withdraw from his reported role in President Tinubu’s campaign machinery. He must then demonstrate through his actions an unequivocal commitment to Accord’s electoral interests.
- Shift in Allegiance: Should his loyalty have shifted, the leaders requested that he declare this openly and follow the established procedures outlined in the party’s constitution.
The signatories underscored that their appeal was driven by a commitment to accountability to the platform that secured Governor Adeleke’s mandate, rather than any personal animosity. They further implored Accord’s national leadership to issue a formal statement on the matter, engage directly with Governor Adeleke, and implement measures to safeguard the interests of Accord candidates nationwide.