Concerns are mounting over the readiness of the Accord Party for the August 15, 2026 governorship election in Osun State, as resignations and defections unsettle the party's ranks. Governor Ademola Adeleke has yet to appoint a Director General for his re-election campaign, despite the Independent National Electoral Commission having commenced the official campaign period. This delay has sparked unease among party stakeholders and observers, who note a lack of visible campaign coordination. Yusuf Adegboye, Convener of the Osun Accord Liberation Movement, stated on Saturday that the party is at a critical juncture with no clear direction. He described the leadership silence as dangerous and stressed that failing to appoint a campaign DG signals deep internal divisions. Adding to the turmoil, Hon. Osunrotimi Ifeoluwa resigned as board member of the Osun State Council for Arts and Culture. In his April 10, 2026 resignation letter, he cited lack of empowerment and opportunities for his constituency despite their electoral support. He said there was "nothing to write home about" from the ministry. Reports also indicate that other party members and appointees are quietly aligning with alternative political platforms. A source within the party confirmed growing disarray, saying many are leaving due to perceived lack of future within the current structure.
Governor Ademola Adeleke's failure to appoint a campaign Director General by April 2026, while the election is set for August, exposes a troubling level of complacency at the top. At a time when political machinery should be fully activated, the absence of a central campaign figure suggests either strategic disarray or an overestimation of incumbency advantage. This delay is not mere oversight—it reflects a leadership style that appears reactive rather than proactive, emboldening internal dissent.
The resignation of Hon. Osunrotimi Ifeoluwa on April 10 over unmet promises reveals a deeper rot: the erosion of loyalty among appointees who feel disconnected from governance outcomes. His claim that his constituency saw no empowerment despite past electoral support underscores a growing transactional mindset in politics, where allegiance is contingent on visible returns. When party members begin to publicly frame their roles as unfulfilling, the foundation of political support starts to crack.
Ordinary voters in Osun, particularly youth and grassroots supporters, are left wondering if their votes translate into development or access. If defections continue unchecked, the 2026 election may become less about policy and more about survival within shifting political alliances. This trend mirrors past cycles where ruling parties collapsed under the weight of internal neglect, not external pressure.
