Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Adewale Egbedun has said the growing support base of the Accord Party in the state signalled a strong position ahead of the election.
Speaker, Egbedun, made the disclosure on Saturday at the defection for more than 500 members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the Accord Party during a rally held in Inisa, Odo Otin local government council area.
Addressing supporters at the event, Egbedun told the gathering that the party remained confident of securing victory at the polls, pointing to what he described as the administration’s performance record.
“The record of success and achievement will speak, and by August 15, victory will be clear,” Egbedun said.
He also urged electoral authorities to uphold transparency, stressing that the integrity of the voting process must be protected.
“Votes must count, and the process must remain free and fair. The electoral body must act as a truly public institution,” he added.
Egbedun called on existing party members to integrate the new entrants, saying unity would be crucial in the weeks leading to the election.
“I welcome our brothers and sisters who have joined us. Party faithful should work together with them for the progress of the state,” he said.
The defectors, led by Aare Kazeem Abdulrasheed, cited internal dissatisfaction within the APC as the primary reason for their decision to leave the party.
Speaking on behalf of the defectors, Abdulrasheed criticised the APC’s internal structure, alleging that decision-making had become concentrated in the hands of a few individuals.
“We left because the party has become a sole proprietorship, controlled by one man whose leadership damaged the state,” he said.
He added that the defectors were drawn to the leadership style of the current administration under Governor Ademola Adeleke.
The forthcoming election will see Adeleke seeking re-election on the platform of the Accord, while Bola Oyebamiji will represent the APC.
Also in the race is Najeem Salaam, contesting under the African Democratic Congress, ADC,.as voters prepare to choose the state’s next governor.
