Osun 2026: Egbedore Residents Back Adeleke’s Re-election Bid as 500 APC, ADC Members Defect
By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo
Residents of Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State on Friday declared their support for Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid ahead of the August 15, 2026 governorship election, turning out in large numbers despite a heavy downpour to attend a campaign rally in Awo, the council headquarters.
The rally also witnessed the defection of about 500 members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Accord Party, a development party leaders described as a major boost to the governor’s campaign.
Speaking at the rally, the Osun State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Sunday Bisi, said the impressive turnout, despite the rainfall, reflected the people’s resolve to return Governor Adeleke for a second term.
“The rain that fell today is a shower of blessings and a sign that Governor Ademola Adeleke’s re-election bid has received God’s favour. We believe God has already blessed the August 15, 2026 election, and we are confident of victory,” Bisi said.
He also announced the defection of over 500 members of the APC and ADC, led by Yekini Ademola and Pastor Seyi Adeosun.
According to him, “The APC is in disarray. The party has lost its direction, and those left are only interested in causing trouble ahead of the election.”
Also addressing the gathering, the lawmaker representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Bamidele Salam, urged residents to sustain their support for Governor Adeleke, saying the administration had given Egbedore unprecedented attention.
“Since 1999, Egbedore has never benefited from any administration the way it has under Governor Ademola Adeleke. He appointed one of our sons as Commissioner for Finance, three Special Advisers and several Senior Special Assistants. This administration has shown genuine commitment to the development of our people,” Salam said.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, former APC chieftain Yekini Ademola said he left the party after becoming dissatisfied with its leadership.
“I am tired of the party. I was threatened, but my decision is final. I appreciate Hon. Bamidele Salam for standing by us, and we are committed to working for Governor Adeleke’s victory in the election,” he said.
Governor Ademola Adeleke, in his remarks, appreciated the people of Egbedore for their continued support and confidence in his administration.
He assured residents that his government would continue to deliver people-centred infrastructure projects and other developmental initiatives aimed at improving their standard of living if re-elected.