By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
Twenty-five members of the Osun State House of Assembly, elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party in the last general election, have defected to the Accord Party.
The lawmakers announced their defection on Friday, following in the footsteps of the governor, Ademola Adeleke, who in December 2025 dumped the PDP for Accord, where he has been cleared by the Independent National Electoral Commission to contest the August 15 Osun governorship poll.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Olamide Tiamiyu, and obtained by Punch Online, the lawmakers said they reached the decision to join Adeleke in Accord Party during their parliamentary meeting.
“After the parliamentary meeting, they proceeded to the Banquet Hall to meet with the governor and top Accord Party leaders, where the formal declaration was officially made by the Speaker.
“They reaffirmed their unwavering support for the Governor, His Excellency Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, and their commitment to quality representation, transparency and responsive leadership.
“The defecting members also urged their supporters and well-wishers to remain steadfast and join them as they embark on this new political chapter.
“They further noted that their decision to join the governor’s party was aimed at ensuring continuity in governance and accelerating development for the people of Osun State,” Tiamiyu’s statement partly read.
Tiamiyu further stated, “The members had resigned from the PDP weeks ago,” adding that after “deep reflection and extensive consultations with supporters, political associates and key stakeholders, they resolved to align with Accord.
He also said, “The lawmakers are convinced that Accord provides a more stable, inclusive and people-centred platform through which they can continue to serve the people of Osun State.”
Emphasising the importance of identifying with a political party that reflects the values they hold dear, Tiamiyu said the lawmakers explained that the move was driven by a determination to advance the collective interests of the people and sustain development across the state.
With the defection of the 25 PDP lawmakers, including the Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, to Accord, the 26-member Osun Assembly is left with Mr Femi Popoola, elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, as the only opposition lawmaker in the House.