OSOGBO — Leaders of the Accord Party in Osun State have credited the party’s victory in the August 15 governorship election to Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke’s performance in office, strong grassroots mobilisation, and the goodwill the party enjoys among residents.
Speaking on the outcome of the election, the Osun State Chairman of Accord, Pastor Victor Akande, described the win as not only a triumph for the party but also for the people of Osun and for democracy.
Akande said he was “extremely happy” with the result, noting that the party had faced what he described as intimidation, arrests, humiliation and harassment of some members before the poll.
According to him, despite those challenges the election was peaceful, fair and credible, and the people ultimately expressed their preference through the ballot.
He said the victory was largely driven by the goodwill enjoyed by Accord, the governor’s performance in his first term, and the party’s grassroots structure.
“We have never ruled in Osun State before, so we are like a new baby who has no spot, no fault, no sin,” Akande said, stressing that the party was able to convince voters through its campaign and engagement at the grassroots.
The chairman also credited the Adeleke administration for the electoral success, saying the governor had exceeded the expectations of many residents who initially doubted his capacity to govern effectively.
Akande dismissed allegations of vote-buying by Accord, explaining that while the party spent money during the campaign, the funds were used for mobilisation, publicity, transportation, billboards, radio programmes and other campaign activities.
He alleged that some opposition politicians engaged in vote-buying on election day, but maintained that Accord did not participate in such practices.
He advised politicians who may have the opportunity to hold public office to keep their promises and leave a positive record behind.
“Make sure you do well. Make sure you keep to trust. Make sure you fulfil the promises you made to people,” he said, arguing that Adeleke’s alleged fulfilment of his campaign promises contributed significantly to his re-election.
On what residents should expect in the second term, Akande promised continuity in governance and further development across the state. He said the administration would continue to focus on improving the lives of residents and developing every sector, expressing optimism that Osun would become a state its people could proudly identify with anywhere in the world.
Addressing questions about a reported leadership crisis ahead of the 2027 general elections, Akande insisted there was no faction in the party. He rejected the claim of another individual to the chairmanship, saying the person had been expelled and was no longer a member of Accord.
According to him, Barrister Maxwell Mgbudem remains the chairman recognised by the party, stressing that Accord remains united under its motto of “Unity and Progress.”
“We have one Accord. It is in one fold: unity and progress is our motto, and we abide by that,” he said.
Akande also called for calm following concerns over post-election security incidents in parts of Osun. He said the government would not allow the state to become a battleground, and assured residents that efforts would be made to restore peace and protect lives and property.
“We cannot destroy what we used our hands to build,” he said.
Also speaking during the interaction, Princess Awogbade Adékémi Richard, National Women Leader of Accord Nigeria, expressed confidence in the future of the party and called on members and supporters to remain committed to its growth. She highlighted the importance of women’s participation in politics and urged supporters to mobilise effectively ahead of future elections.
She maintained that the party had the potential to secure more electoral victories and urged supporters to work towards strengthening its structures across the country.
According to her, the party’s future success would depend largely on effective organisation, grassroots mobilisation and the ability of its candidates to connect with the people.
Leaders and members of the party also gathered to celebrate the victory and expressed gratitude to God and to supporters. Akande thanked the party’s leadership, including the National Women Leader Mrs. Awogbade Kemi, as well as other leaders and supporters who worked tirelessly for the success of the party.
He described the victory as a product of perseverance, unity and divine intervention, noting that the party had gone through difficult moments before achieving success at the polls.
The chairman paid tribute to the late Alhaji Opawuyi, who he described as one of the pioneer chairmen of Accord in Osun, praying for the repose of his soul and acknowledging his contributions to the party.
Comrade Dada also spoke at the gathering, expressing happiness over the outcome and commending members for their dedication and resilience. He said the victory was significant because of the challenges faced before and during the election.
The speakers acknowledged the leadership and support of Governor Ademola Adeleke and called on all stakeholders to work together in the interest of the people of Osun State.
The gathering ended with prayers of thanksgiving and renewed calls for unity, with party leaders assuring supporters that the victory would be used to strengthen the party and contribute to the socio-economic development of Osun State.
