Adeleke Kicks Off Re-Election Campaign, Declares “Accord Will Be on the Ballot” as He Vows to Defend Democracy in Osun

OSOGBO – Governor Ademola Adeleke on Tuesday officially flagged off his re-election campaign ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, declaring that the Accord Party would remain on the ballot and expressing confidence that he would secure a second term in office.

Addressing thousands of supporters, party leaders, defectors and various interest groups at Freedom Park, Osogbo, Adeleke described the campaign as a “divine journey to victory,” assuring party faithful that all lawful measures were being pursued to safeguard their constitutional rights to vote and be voted for.

“Accord will be on the ballot; your votes will count; and I will be re-elected as your governor on August 15th,” the governor declared amid cheers from supporters.

Adeleke said his administration would not succumb to what he described as “dark forces,” insisting that democracy and the rule of law must prevail in Osun State.

The governor also revisited the lingering local government crisis in the state, congratulating residents on what he termed a victory over attempts to undermine democratic governance at the grassroots level.

He commended elected local government chairmen and councillors for their patience throughout the dispute and alleged that democratic mechanisms had been deployed to remove what he called “impostors” from council secretariats.

Adeleke renewed his criticism of security authorities over the matter, directing the Commissioner of Police to immediately withdraw protection allegedly being provided to individuals occupying local government secretariats unlawfully.

He further accused the United Bank for Africa (UBA) of collaborating with court-sacked APC council chairmen and demanded accountability regarding council funds.

“I demand that our diverted council fund must be fully accounted for by the bank and the sacked chairmen,” he stated.

The governor expressed appreciation to the numerous associations, unions and groups that endorsed his re-election bid, including labour unions, pensioners, farmers, market associations, religious organisations, women groups, youth organisations and student bodies.

According to him, the endorsements were a reflection of public confidence in his administration’s performance since assuming office in 2022.

Highlighting achievements recorded under his government, Adeleke said Osun State had witnessed significant improvements in education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, water supply, digital economy development and fiscal transparency.

He noted that Osun moved from 33rd position in national education rankings in 2022 to 7th position in 2024 and 2025, while also emerging as a leading state in primary healthcare delivery and access to clean water.

The governor further claimed that his administration had reduced the state's debt burden by over 40 per cent, improved public hospital efficiency, enhanced budget transparency and significantly reduced infrastructure deficits.

Seeking a renewed mandate, Adeleke unveiled an updated five-point agenda that would guide his administration if re-elected.

The agenda focuses on youth, women and workers' welfare; infrastructure consolidation; agro-industrial expansion; affordable healthcare and education; and the creation of a more conducive business environment to generate employment opportunities.

In a move likely to generate political discussions beyond Osun State, Adeleke also reaffirmed his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's second-term ambition in 2027.

“As we seek your votes on August 15th, we also restate our endorsement of our son, father and leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027. Our support for Mr President is unshaken and total,” he said.

The governor urged residents to reject violence, defend democratic values and participate actively in the electoral process.

“We cannot and must not go back to the dark days. We must rise and defend our democratic rights. We cannot be intimidated in the exercise of our voting rights,” he declared.

Adeleke concluded by expressing confidence that continuity would prevail in Osun State, urging supporters to intensify grassroots mobilisation ahead of the governorship election.

“Accord will be on the ballot. We will vote. Our votes will count. We shall be victorious,” he said.